Orchestra Qualifies for 2027 National Orchestra Championship in Chicago

A photogenic early rise the morning of NOF 2026 in San Francisco with BHS Chamber Orchestra. Image by Evan Du

In late April, Chamber orchestra (the most advanced ensemble here at BHS) received word that they had been accepted to the National Orchestra Festival for the second year running. NOF is one of the top orchestra conferences in the nation, and even being admitted is an accomplishment. It took months of preparation and rehearsal beforehand to submit the best possible application. Last year, Chamber was lifted from the waitlist into the non-competitive track. But this year, they were accepted directly into the competitive division and earned higher ratings by adjudicators on the audition recording, reflecting tremendous growth. Orchestra director Andrew Kam couldn’t be prouder.

“It’s a huge accomplishment. It took years of building rehearsal culture, performance expectations, and even attendance,” Kam said.

But such an accomplishment doesn’t come easily. There’s a lot going on under the surface that most will never see.

“What most people don't realize - is that we don't necessarily need the best musicians or instrumentalists to have a successful group - we need students who stay humble and are constantly pursuing growth. Audiences may not see the huge amount of selflessness it takes for a group to work together. Students of all levels and age have to learn to put the needs of others in front of themselves. In some cases this is a big ask - maybe there's a huge test next class, or something very personal is happening in their lives. The trick is to balance how we care for ourselves, and how we care for others, particularly when time doesn't stop, and we have a concert coming up with limited rehearsal time,” Kam said.

Big things lay ahead for orchestra. Notably, large enrollment.

“The growth of this program cannot be understated. Our enrollment has skyrocketed from 80 in Fall 2018, to 170 Fall 2026. Having a larger orchestra membership can mean students are working harder than ever to put themselves in leadership roles either musically, organizationally, or both. Even our ORCO (orchestra council) has elevated the student experience. We used to have a team of 3, and now out of necessity we have a team of 6 council students to support the 150+ students we had this year,” Kam said.

Many feel as if this year’s qualification for NOF was a milestone and a breakthrough for orchestra. Representing our school and orchestra at the national level is a big deal. Kam hopes orchestra stays humble and continues to grow.

“I would love for Chamber Orchestra to apply to Mid West Clinic and/or Orchestra Cup in New York,” Kam said. “Like NOF, both are prestigious merit-based festivals which are among the most competitive in the country.”

Kam also has high aspirations for the orchestra’s second-highest group, the non-audition Sinfonia orchestra.

“I also want to present Sinfonia at either State Conference or All-Northwest Conference,” he added. “The more merit-based opportunities earned for our program, the better.”

Though despite the accolades, he gave a reminder to not forget what comes first:

“Most importantly, I hope all our orchestra students lead by example and practice citizenship, musicianship and friendship.”

Kam finishes off with a heartwarming message to orchestra students:

“Huge shoutout to all my students. Without them, there is no orchestra. I'm sorry my jokes are really bad in class, but I cannot express how grateful I am that I can be myself in front of you all. Chicago 2027 and Disneyland 2027! LG!!!”