Nearly 250 IUSD students, from elementary through high school grade levels, were selected to join the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Honor Groups, prestigious music groups that require auditions and a selection process.
SCSBOA honor groups pose a challenging audition process due to the high number of applicants, even outshining the All-State Ensembles audition process in difficulty. This year, SCSBOA had over 4,000 students from schools spanning from Bakersfield to San Diego County audition, with only 741 musicians selected. Notably, at the elementary level, an astonishing 51% of the selected 191 students are from IUSD.
“From rigorous auditions to competitive selections, the journey to being selected for a SCSBOA honor band is no small feat,” stated IUSD Director of Visual And Performing Arts Erin Zoumaras. “IUSD students excelling at each level – high school, middle school, and elementary – is a testament to the District's commitment to nurturing and growing music and arts for our students.”
Zoumaras also recognized the Irvine Company, which has committed nearly $50 million over 20 years through the Excellence in Education Enrichment Fund to support IUSD’s art, science and music education for students in grades four through six.
“Many school districts have drastically cut arts education over the last two decades, but IUSD’s program has flourished with community support like that of Irvine Company and its Chairman Donald Bren,” she said.
The SCSBOA Honor Groups have been practicing throughout January, gearing up for their performances on January 27-28, 2024.
Join us in congratulating our IUSD students!