Union Catholic Student Plays with Central Jersey High School Symphonic Band

The following information was provided by Union Catholic High School.

Freshman Jackie Quan of Edison recently auditioned for and was accepted into the elite Central Jersey High School Symphonic Band. Jackie was one of 110 students from five counties in the Central Jersey area who auditioned for the clarinet section.

The top 16 students went to the Wind Ensembles and Orchestra and the next 24 were selected for the Symphonic Band. Jackie was auditioning against other freshmen, as well as sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

To prepare for her audition, Jackie practiced for an hour a day and, as the day of the audition got closer, she practiced for two hours a day. The audition consisted of sight-reading, scales, and a solo.

Jackie noted, “I always get very nervous and scared because you only get one chance to play.”

Jackie is thrilled that her fears were unfounded.

Jackie plans to play at regions every year, but hopes to be a part of the Wind Ensemble or Orchestra next year as a sophomore. Her goal is to be in the All Eastern Band as a senior.

As a member of the Honors and Accelerated academic programs at Union Catholic, Band does not currently fit into Jackie’s schedule, but she plans to be a part of the UC Band with Mr. Don Frio during her junior and senior year.