The Bellefontaine High School string orchestra under the direction of Laura Mitchell received an “excellent” rating at the state orchestra contest Friday, Feb. 28, at Fairfield High School. The group performed in Class B playing the following pieces: The London Symphony by Haydn/Woostenhulme, Celtic Dreams by Svedsen and Free Spirit by O’Loughlin. Students in the BHS string orchestra include: Alexa Mendez Avalos, Morgan Brugler, Lauren Carter, Malcolm DeSouza, Katelyn Esh, Caitlin Hutchins, Laney Mitchell, Nicholas Ricker, Connor Rose, Lillian Shultz, Krista VanBuskirk, Kayla Watkins, violin 1; Alayna Cooper, Austin Cooper, Lily Evans, Peyton Green, Lindsey Heminger, Anastasia Hiatt, Arianna McIntire, Elizabeth Moody, Alyvia Steggeman, Gabby Stolly, William Patterson violin 2; Grace Barrett, Samuel Merrin, Trystan Price, bass; Devin Berg, Lauren Easton, Devin George, Alexander Houser, Jack Hutchins, Donald LaRoche, Alison McAleer, Caitlyn Shumaker, Madison Taylor, viola; Serenity Kinney, Brynn Noffsinger, Emma Verbsky, Tierani Priest, Byron Sopher, Jaxon Sopher, Chase Schmidt, cello.