With growth comes opportunity.

That’s what members of the Albert Lea orchestra program are discovering.

The program, which includes students in grades six through 12, has grown from 70 students three years ago to 110 students this year. Director Gene Schott said he believes stability has helped the program immensely.

&uot;Consistency has helped us a lot,&uot; Schott said. &uot;I’ve been here three years now, and people know I’m here.&uot;

At Monday’s high school concert, Schott said students tackled the most difficult material they’ve ever done. &uot;The kids have worked very hard,&uot; he said.

On Saturday, orchestra students will compete at the state solo and small ensemble contest in Owatonna. Seven students will play solos, and the 12-member chamber orchestra will also compete.

On Feb. 9 and 10, Schott plans to take 25 high school orchestra students to the Dorian Festival at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

&uot;We’ve consistently been the school bringing the most kids,&uot; Schott said.

The benefits of participating in such a festival are many, he said. &uot;Being a part of an orchestra with brand new people who share the same qualities as you always benefits students. And it’s always helpful to have a new conductor with new thoughts and ideas.&uot;

What’s more, the students will play a lot &045; up to eight hours a day. &uot;You can really hear the improvement in those two days, especially when it comes to the final concert,&uot; Schott said.

The director said he’s also proud that three of his students have been named to the Middle Level Honors Orchestra. Cellist Scott Ness, violist Erica Sorenson and violinist Bethany Zogg, all ninth-graders, will perform Feb. 15 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

&uot;These three are among the best players in the state at their level,&uot; Schott said.

Coming up on Feb. 18, Albert Lea will host the middle-level orchestra festival at the high school from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Last year was the inaugural year for the event, and it was held in Alexandria. &uot;Various junior high and middle school orchestras from around the state will play and compete,&uot; Schott said, adding about 10 orchestras are currently planning to participate.

The high school orchestra will also travel with the choir to New Orleans March 19-24. The orchestra will play at Children’s Hospital there, as well as at Trinity Church, where a &uot;Bach Around the Clock&uot; festival will be taking place. Members will do a combined piece with the choir. Orchestra members will also play for and be critiqued by staff at Loyola University, and take a cruise with a Dixieland band, Schott said.