J. P. Taravella High School orchestra earns top superior ratings during district music performance assessment
Coral Springs, Florida – Music filled the halls of J. P. Taravella High School with pride and celebration after the school’s orchestra program achieved outstanding results at a major regional performance assessment earlier this month.
Both the concert orchestra and the chamber orchestra earned top marks at the Florida Orchestra Association District 15 Concert Music Performance Assessment, held March 10 at Flanagan High School. Judges awarded the ensembles superior ratings, the highest recognition given at the event, marking a significant accomplishment for the student musicians and their director.
The concert orchestra delivered an especially notable performance, receiving a superior rating along with a perfect score in sight-reading. Sight-reading tests a musician’s ability to perform unfamiliar music on the spot, making the flawless result a clear reflection of the students’ preparation and discipline.
The chamber orchestra also impressed the judges, earning straight superior ratings across the board. According to orchestra director Linda Cartagena, the achievement highlights months of dedication and rehearsal from the students.
Among the musicians helping power the orchestra’s success is violist Alicia York, whose commitment to music has brought her recognition at both the county and state levels. York has already earned all-county and all-state honors through the program, accomplishments that reflect her steady dedication to the viola.
“I enjoy performing music, and I have put a lot of effort into practicing the viola. Qualifying for all-state was an amazing experience, and I got to perform with other talented musicians in Tampa,” said York.
York is one of several students whose passion for music fuels the orchestra’s continued success. The program also features strong student leadership, including two student conductors who guided parts of the ensemble’s performance during the assessment.
Student conductors Daniel Valera and Matthew Cardichon each conducted prepared musical pieces during the evaluation and both received superior ratings from judges. Their work on the podium drew praise from Cartagena, who highlighted the confidence and leadership they displayed in front of their peers.
Cartagena said the student conductors demonstrated the kind of courage and musicianship that inspires the entire ensemble. She noted that their leadership, focus, and professionalism helped represent the Taravella orchestra program in an exceptional way.
Membership in the orchestra requires discipline and dedication, but for many students, the rewards are just as meaningful as the work involved.
Violinist Emma Perez knows that commitment firsthand. Perez performs in both the concert and chamber orchestras and recently earned a superior rating during a solo ensemble performance. She also qualified for the all-county orchestra, which performed at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
“It was a great experience to be part of the all-county orchestra and perform with talented musicians,” said Perez.
Another violinist, Ariana Rose, has also been involved in both Taravella orchestras and earned a place in the all-county ensemble. For Rose, music is both a personal passion and a shared experience with fellow students.
“I love playing the violin, and it was exciting to be part of the all-county orchestra,” she said.
For Cardichon, serving as a student conductor offered a unique opportunity to guide his classmates and help shape the orchestra’s performance. He said he felt proud of what the group accomplished during the assessment.
Together, the students’ achievements reflect a program built on hard work, collaboration, and a shared love of music. With superior ratings from judges and growing recognition for individual musicians, the Taravella orchestra continues to demonstrate both talent and determination on the regional stage.
