Stonington Tuba Player Heading To All-State Orchestra

A 17-year-old tuba player will take part in an all-state orchestra after receiving the top score in the state at her audition.

Samantha Lake, a Stonington resident who attends the and plays in the Band, will attend the All-State Music Festival. This runs from April 12 to 14 in Hartford.

Lake said she was surprised to receive the highest score among tuba players in the state, since her main goal was just to get a spot in the festival.

“Some auditions I get really nervous,” she said. “I think the more I play the better it’s getting.”

Lake’s musical education began when she started playing the piano at age 5. When she started middle school, her options for music classes were chorus or band. She chose the latter, and decided to try out the tuba.

“I thought it would be fun, it would be different,” she said.

Having already learned how to read music from playing the piano, Lake was soon able to pick up on playing the tuba as well. She said she likes the sound and the way the instrument can project, as well as the opportunity to play an instrument in conjunction with other people.

Scott Morgan, the band director at New London High School, said students audition in early February for the All-State Music Festival. This audition includes playing scales and a prepared piece as well as sight reading. Judges listen for correct notes, intonation, and other factors. Morgan said the state has three ensembles—jazz, orchestra, and wind—and the top tuba player goes to the orchestra.

“I was really proud of her,” said Morgan. “I thought it was really good for her, good for New London. I wasn’t surprised. She has a very high musical intelligence.”

Morgan said Lake also had the top tuba score in eastern Connecticut for the Connecticut Eastern Regional Band earlier this year, and that she has played in this regional ensemble since her sophomore year. He said Morgan was also made the All-State Music Festival in her sophomore year, and believes she would have made it last year if the auditions had not been canceled due to blizzard conditions.

Lake said she still plays piano, and hopes to attend a large university to continue her music education and join the marching band. She said she would like to continue improving her skills, and felt the tuba has helped keep her motivated.

“I want to practice, because I get to make such good music,” she said.