A handful of Catasauqua Middle School students recently had an opportunity to showcase their musical skills at the PMEA District 10 band competition.

CMS students Gwen Polles and Jhosbel Polanco were selected to participate in the Intermediate Band and Orchestra Festival and Mikaela Alleyne and Donovan Gair were chosen for the Elementary Band and Orchestra All East Festival.

District music teacher Kevin Karchner selected the students based on their musical aptitude.

"They are some of my best players," he said of the four students. "I'm looking for kids who practice the hardest."

All four students enjoyed the District 10 experience.

"It was exciting to be there, but as soon as we got into the swing of things, we began practicing," Gwen, who plays the French horn, said.

The competition consisted of two practices in the morning, two in the afternoon and the combined orchestra in the evening.

"It was a lot of practicing," said Jhosbel who plays trumpet. "It's pretty much like a normal concert."

A total of 116 students participated in the competition from various area schools.

Mikaela, an alto saxophone player, said she was surprised when she learned of her acceptance.

"I really didn't know about the festival," she said. "It was a lot of fun.

Donovan, who plays the trumpet, considered playing in the festival unique.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing," he said.

Karchner added it was an unusual experience because Dr. Scott Watson both conducted and composed the music.

Although the students have some time before they move on to Catasauqua High School, Karchner said he waits in great anticipation.

"I'm very proud of their accomplishments," he said. "I look forward to seeing them perform in the high school program."