The Santa Monica High School Symphony Orchestra won the National Grand Championship at the ASTA/NSOA (American String Teachers Association) Conference in Reno, Nevada during a competition held February 24-27.
The Samohi Chamber Orchestra received a Unanimous Superior rating, but was not allowed to compete because it is the Association policy that only one group per school can compete.
Sixteen orchestras from nine states were represented and hundreds of string teachers attended from around the country.
The students were adjudicated during their performance, after which they attended a clinic with some of the most prominent string educators in the country.The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District was cited for its excellent teachers, exemplary music programs and outstanding support from the community.