Two Mt. Hope High School juniors have achieved one of the highest honors attainable for high school musicians. Emily Marino and Rachel Ouellette have been accepted to the NAfME (National Association for Music Education) 2021 All-Eastern Honor Ensembles — Ms. Ouellette as first flute in the All-Symphonic Band, and Ms. Marino as first soprano in the All Eastern Mixed Chorus.

“This is the first time in over a decade that we have had two students given national recognition, and we are deeply proud of their hard work and dedication,” said Mt. Hope Choral Director David Lauria.

The 2021 Eastern Division Honor Ensembles program will take place on Thursday, March 4, through Saturday, March 6. The weeks leading up to the virtual event will include several rehearsals with the 2021 All Eastern Conductors, workshops with renown clinicians, and each ensemble will create a final, recorded performance which will be premiered online.

“I am always very honored to be in groups with other talented musicians,” said Ms. Ouellette, “and I am especially excited for this opportunity because I have never played with musicians outside of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.”