"My students

are very hard working, motivated and self-propelled. My job is made very

easy because of the motivation of my students and their yearning to succeed

on their instruments," said Conductor Erin Randolph. "I'm very

lucky and enjoy every minute of my career with these students."

Randolph started

the FCHS chamber orchestra at the beginning of the 2000-2001 academic

year with seven students. This year, participation has more than quadrupled

with 40 students now playing instruments.

Given the students'

dedication to their music, it is not surprising that the orchestra has

collected a number of awards in its short existence. Students in the orchestra

take their roles as musicians seriously with 80 percent of them enrolled

private lessons.

Within the

last year, the orchestra has been invited to perform at a number of community

functions and festivals including the teacher of the year banquet, Barnes

and Noble, solo and ensemble festivals, District VI Large Group Orchestra

Festival and the anniversary celebration of FCHS in 2001.