The Austin High School Orchestra will be performing some well-rehearsed selections for their annual Orchestra Fest this week.

The show, with pieces ranging from the Baroque Period to the Modern Period, will feature works the students had performed for an invitational rehearsal in Minneapolis.

"We were invited to perform at Orchestra Hall this year, so this is kind of a culmination of all the preparation for that," conductor Philip Burkhart said.

The Prep Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra will all be performing separate pieces, and Burkhart said there will be time set aside for a special recognition of all the seniors and their parents during the show.

The orchestra this year was especially talented, he said. The invitation to Minneapolis was a special honor. Austin High School was the first orchestra invited to perform for the program, which recognizes top high school orchestras in the state. While there, they received instruction from Scott Terrell, assistant conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra.

Burkhart said he is very proud of the students this year and is sad to see the seniors go.

"This is an exceptional orchestra," he said. "It is going to be especially difficult to say goodbye to the seniors. They have been the heart and soul of this program."

The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Christgau Hall. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and senior citizens. Tickets can be bought at the door or from an orchestra student.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com