AllentownSchool District

Allen HS Violinist Selected to Perform at PMEA District 10 Orchestra Festival

Allen HS Violinist Selected to Perform at PMEA District 10 Orchestra Festival
Posted on 01/03/2018
Congratulations to Hannah Langkamer-Smith, who was one of 95 violin students who auditioned and earned a seat to represent the Allentown School District in the PMEA District 10 Orchestra Festival, February 7 – February 9, 2018, at Fleetwood High School.

On December 2nd, high school instrumental music students from Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Schuylkill Counties traveled to Parkland High School to audition for the PMEA District 10 Band and District Orchestra Festivals.  Seven Allentown School District instrumental music students from William Allen High School and Louis E. Dieruff High School went through a rigorous audition process to compete for seats to perform with the best high school musicians in the area. 

Hannah Langkamer-Smith a current senior at Allen, started playing violin in 4th grade while attending Muhlenberg Elementary School, and continued her practice at Trexler Middle School, and now William Allen High School. Hannah began her musical journey under the direction of Mr. Larry Flynn in elementary school, and has also taken private lessons at West End Music, working with Rebecca Brown. 

“For PMEA district 10 orchestra, a big challenge with auditions – like many people – is dealing with nerves,” said Hannah. “It is stressful to be judged against the best musicians in the district, but the best thing for me is to come prepared and stay calm.” 

Hannah has been involved in many ensembles, orchestras, and music-related activities throughout the years. In elementary school she played in All-City Orchestra, where members from her school formed a group called Double String Quartet. Double String Quartet is a completely student-run group and performed a range of music from classical to pop. The group played for many years at local elementary schools, nursing homes, and even weddings, but eventually disbanded as older members went to college. She has been a member of Allen’s orchestra since freshman year, and in 10th grade joined the pit orchestra for the spring musical West Side Story, and again in 11th for Bonnie and Clyde. This year she looks forward to playing in the pit again for Aida.  Hannah also made District Orchestra as a sophomore.  

“I have to give my biggest thanks to my violin teacher Rebecca Brown – without her instruction and continued guidance, I would not be where I am today,” said Hannah. “Of course, I also have to thank my parents, who are my support system for everything I do.”  

PMEA logoIn addition to playing violin, Hannah is involved in various clubs and activities at Allen, including Chorale, National Honor Society, Class of 2018 President, Scholastic Scrimmage, Math Honor Society, and choir. She enjoys drawing and was the recipient of a gold key award in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Competition in 2017. After graduation she plans to attend college in New York City, Boston, or D.C. and in biology. Hannah and sees college as the opportunity to explore her many and varied interests and wants to eventually earn her Ph.D.. She will always want to have music in her life, and hopes to join orchestra and continue playing violin wherever she attends college. She is truly honored to represent Allen this year in PMEA District 10 orchestra and looks forward to such an exciting and memorable experience.