 19 Bemidji High School students were chosen for the Elite All-State Band Orchestra Enquirer. For this week's Golden Apple, Mal Meyer talked to a few of the talented musicians who were chosen to play with some of the best in the state. Through the Minnesota Music Educators Association, high school students from around the state put together a blind audition tape to send into a panel of over 50 judges. Like many weeks beforehand it was like a lesson, a week, and I practiced every chance I could. Danielle Baratono is proof that practice makes perfect. Last year I did try out for All-State Band, but I was not accepted. This year now that I was, it was a really even bigger accomplishment. Out of the 570 total accepted students, five orchestra, six choir and eight band students from BHS will be going to the nearly week-long intensive music camps this summer. For me, yes, it's by far the most number of students we've had, and I would think in my 16 years of Bemidji is certainly as the most students we've ever had. Each of the three programs will be held at a different college around Minnesota with students learning from experienced professors and conductors. We all stay in the dorms together, and so like we have roommates and stuff, and then we just go to our different sectionals and singing classes in the university. This is his second time he was selected to attend the choir camp held at St. John's University. There's such a large group of kids who are really dedicated to music, and they're all very talented, and so it's fun being around a group of kids who really know what they're doing. It's experiences like this that are helping these young musicians remain motivated to keep with their craft. I was very excited. It's a really big accomplishment for me. I intend to take a career in music someday, so it's a really big step for me. And for those who didn't make it this year, it's worth it to keep with it. It's made me grow like a lot as a musician, so if you get the experience to addition and try out, it's definitely worth it. Something their teachers couldn't agree with anymore. Huge, huge asset to all of our programs in the state of Minnesota to have our kids participate in this program. With this week's Golden Apple and Bemidji, I'm Mel Meyer, Lakeland News.