Twenty Arlington Public Schools (APS) students participated in the All-Virginia Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Chorus ensembles during an event held April 16–18 in the Greater Richmond area. More than 700 students from across Virginia were selected for the 2026 All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event at the Richmond Convention Center.
The annual gathering brings together top student musicians who are chosen through a competitive audition process. Participants rehearse with nationally recognized conductors and collaborate with peers from throughout the Commonwealth. The performances began Friday evening with middle school treble and mixed choir concerts and continued through Saturday afternoon with high school band, orchestra, and choral performances.
Students were selected for six high school ensembles—Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Treble Choir (SSAA), Mixed Choir (SATB), Tenor-Bass Choir (TTBB)—and two middle school choirs: treble (SSAA) and mixed (SATB). Approximately 300 music educators attended as well; these teachers are members of professional associations including the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the Virginia Choral Directors Association.
APS student participants included Ava Yi from H-B Woodlawn Secondary School; Helena Horowitz and Josephine Van Hoey from Wakefield High School; Ellie Earle, Henry McMullin, and Ellsie Seward from Washington-Liberty High School; Tessa Green from Yorktown High School; Evie LaGarde from H-B Woodlawn Secondary Middle School; Jaya Blaser, Maeve Clifford, Cormac Jackson, Olivia McMahon, Juliana Wyss from Swanson Middle School; Madeline Belcher, Charlotte Fox, Eliana Villwock, Charlotte Wethington, Peyton Winstead, Sofia Wynnycky from Williamsburg Middle School.
The event highlights musical achievement among APS students while providing them opportunities to work alongside peers statewide. Organizers say participation in such events can help develop musical skills as well as foster collaboration among young musicians.
