In his years at Fountain Hills High School, senior Andrew Merica has earned himself a spot on the High School All-State Band once before. For his senior year, Merica returned to the all-state level, though this time he was playing with the orchestra instead of the band.

On the weekend of April 11, Merica traveled north to Northern Arizona University where he performed with a group of his talented peers in the Arizona Music Education Association All-State Orchestra.

For Merica, the experience of performing with the all-state group and the path to get there is not only a chance to flex his musically prowess, but also a chance to catch up with other musicians he has met over the years.

“It is actually one of my favorite parts, getting to see people that you really only get to see at these events,” Merica said. “Also, because the orchestra’s low brass section is so small, you really get a sense of comradery when you just nail something as a section and it just feels really good.”

Merica only had three other musicians with him in the low brass section, which was called on to play less than they would have in the band.

“We played a lot less and there were some songs we didn’t play on at all,” Merica explained. “The parts where we do play are really important and also really loud. You’re also alone, so it is a little bit stressful but at the same time it is a lot more rewarding when you nail it.”

Another highlight for Merica is that, along with working alongside his talented peers, he also gets to play under the guidance of a talented conductor.

“(Working with a new conductor) can be kind of strange because they all do different things, but at regionals and all-state they are really good and they knew that the players are really good as well,” Merica said. “So sometimes they won’t even conduct the beat, they’ll just conduct the style and expect the players to stay on beat together, which they do really well.”

Being a senior, Merica is approaching the end of his high school career but said he is looking forward to continuing his studies of the passion he developed in high school.

“It is pretty crazy to think about that and I just love music so much, there is nothing better than being among a group of people that all want to make music,” Merica said. “So I am really excited to keep learning and go to college to play with other really talented players.”

Merica will be attending the University of Arizona next year to continue his studies in music.