Three Baldwin students have been selected to perform at a competitive statewide musical event on Saturday.

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association is hosting four categories this year: band, orchestra, choir, and acapella, which is new this year. The PMEA has three levels: districts, regionals, and states.

This year, Baldwin students are represented in three of the four categories at states. 

Junior Jonathan Pickell has been playing the euphonium since fourth grade and will be performing in the band category for the first time.

“I’m really excited because last year I only made it to districts, and that was it,” Pickell said. “I feel pretty proud because I worked really hard and now I have made it.”

Junior Carter Smeal, on the other hand, is familiar with states; he placed fourth last year. He will be representing the orchestra by playing the cello.

“It’s definitely an honor to be nominated for this,” Smeal said. “I’m excited to go back and perform with a bunch of people from different states and my friends.”

Senior Ryan Priano, meanwhile, has been in the Honors Choir for three years but has never thought to audition for PMEAs until this year.

“This is my first time, and I’m a senior, so it’s pretty cool to be able to do it once and make it all the way to states,” Priano said.

Music teacher Kris Tranter is chaperoning the trip and is proud of the students’ recognition.

“These are our three really high-end, exceptional musicians who have come through here. They have worked hard,” Tranter said. “They are very talented, so it’s not much of a surprise to me.”

The boys leave on Wednesday and are performing at the Poconos Convention Center on Saturday.