Nadine Schalk, is getting ready to lead another group of Westbury High School orchestra students to victory at upcoming music competitions.

Schalk registered her first class — the Powells Lane Elementary School string orchestra — to a music competition in 1996.

Each year since, she has let her students choose where they would like to compete if they all agree to participate in a competition in the spring.

This past year was no different. The group left their competition victorious, bringing a sense of confidence among the students as they enter the new school year on Sept. 1.

The Westbury High School string orchestra placed first at Hershey Park’s music competition on May 24, scoring “excellent.”

In addition, the viola section and the string bass section were both named “outstanding sections,” the first time Westbury’s string bass section has achieved this honor. The students took home awards under the instruction of Schalk, the Westbury High School orchestra teacher.

“We discussed going to a competition at the beginning of the school year,” Schalk said. “It is a choice and I give the orchestra something we can set a goal for.”

After the string orchestra — made up of sophomores, juniors, seniors and three leveled-up ninth graders — decided in September that they wanted to compete later that year, they immediately began practicing.

They also raised over $4,000 to help cover the cost of the coach bus and the chaperones who volunteered for the trip.

“We look at what sights we can go to compete and they pick where they would like to go,” Schalk said. “And we work hard all year to get to that point.”

Leah Tunnell, orchestra member who plays the cello, said the day of the competition started at 6 a.m., as the class got up early to take a bus for two to four hours. After arriving at a high school nearby the park, the group gathered in a separate room and ran through their songs, making sure they were ready for the competition. Then, the orchestra performed, which Tunnell said happened “so fast.”

“It was really fun,” Tunnell said. “It was exciting to play all the music and be at the awards ceremony.”

Gabriella Melgar, orchestra member, said this event was a great opportunity to play against different players from around Long Island. Along with Long Island, there was representation from Pennsylvania and other nearby states.

After the competition, the group traveled 30 minutes to Hershey Park for the award ceremony, which was at 6:30 p.m. Tunnell said the energy was high, and everyone was supportive, as every group cheered for one another.

“When we got the rating of excellence, it was a huge relief off our shoulders,” Tunnell said. “We worked so hard for so long on the music and it just feels great to be like, ‘we did it’.”

“The Westbury High School string orchestra has once again proudly represented our district and community,” Tahira A. DuPree Chase, Westbury School District Superintendent, said in an August press release. “Our scholars continue to deliver a legacy of achievement as they demonstrate their remarkable skills on a national stage.”

The string orchestra also competed in the NYSSMA Majors Festival this year with level five music, the second-highest level of music that can be prepared. For the first time in almost 20 years, Westbury High School received a bronze rating at the event.

“When the trophies are brought back and displayed in the lobby for all of the school and community to see, it validates our scholars’ hard work and talent,” Schalk said in an August press release. “It also sets the bar for the next group to continue this legacy and pave the way to achieve this level of success.”

Melgar, a junior, said she wants to continue improving her musical skills. Schalk provided her with music to practice over the summer, which, according to Melgar, will help her prepare for the next school year.

“Ms. Schalk is a big help if you ever want to improve,” Melgar said. “I also plan on playing more music at home. I feel like practicing is the biggest thing you can do if you ever want to improve in your instrument.”

Tunnel, who graduated from Westbury High School this past year, said she wants to keep making music, as it’s a “passion project” for her right now. She said Schalk was a big help in igniting this passion and encouraging her to keep practicing and getting better.

Schalk said these concerts and competitions allow students to experience all the different avenues they can take with their music career — while also having fun.

The Westbury High School string orchestra’s next performance will be on Nov. 6 at their Electrify Your Symphony concert.