KHS students prepares for All- Region Orchestra performance

Kitt Sechrist practices during first hour at Kilgore High School. When the All-Region Symphonic Orchestra performs its concert in January of this year Kilgore High School will be represented by mjore than a dozen musicians.

But Kitt Sechrist, said Lisa Roberts, KHS orchestra director, has been working toward that honor throughout her high school music career.

To earn a spot in the regional honor band, students must audition, competing against thousands of other students.

Sechrist said she was proud to finally make All-Region. "I have been so close each year," she said. "It is finally such an honor to be selected.

"A lot of hard work goes into orchestra, especially to make All-Region," said Sechrist. "All the hard work has finally paid off for me."

Sechrist said she practices Monday through Friday and on weekends. This is her sixth year in orchestra.

This year's regional program will feature a mix of contemporary and classical music. "We have to learn two pieces which are a little harder then what we are used," she said.

The concert will be held at Robert E. Lee High School.

Sechrist is also involved in sports and is vying for the valedictorian ranking in the spring, according to Roberts.

Other KHS orchestra members selected for All-Region orchestra are Karla Mojica, Zonera Javed, Joel Veneagas, Kalynn Weaver, Francisca Barron, Yeimi Perez, Iris Hopwood, Laura Eckstadt, Jennifer Wheat, Lillian Gipson, Caleb Baker, Darby Capps and Shalonda Scott.

Sechrist is the daughter of Mike and Susan Sechrist.

She plans to attend Texas Christian University when she graduates and major in math. "I'm not sure about music in college yet," said Sechrist.

"I would recommend the or- chestra to all students who have an interest in music," said Sechrist. "It requires you to think differently and do a lot of different things at once. This is a great program, well supported by KHS, and I would like to thank Lisa Roberts, Cordell Taylor and Shannon Roberts for all their support and help."