Students from Glacier Middle School’s music program returned home with two second place trophies after competing in their first national music competition, according to Band and Orchestra Director Stephanie Kuborssy.

The SeaTac school’s Wind Ensemble and Prelude Orchestra traveled to Idaho for the event, where both groups competed in the AA band and orchestra divisions. Each ensemble performed two musical selections before an audience and two judges who were music professors from local universities.

According to Kuborssy, both groups earned second place in their respective divisions.

“For our first national competition, we are thrilled and proud to have placed so high,” Kuborssy said.

The trip began with a stop at Eastern Washington University, where students participated in a campus tour and student panel. Students learned about academics and campus life by speaking with university students and faculty members.

Following their performances, students spent time at Silverwood theme park before attending the competition’s awards ceremony.

Kuborssy said the students also received praise from festival organizers and members of the public for their conduct throughout the trip.

“We got lots of compliments on how kind and respectful and well behaved we were on the trip by many strangers and festival organizers,” she said.

Kuborssy credited community support for helping make the trip possible and thanked donors who contributed to fundraising efforts throughout the year. She also recognized Gear Up and the Highline Schools Foundation for supporting the students’ participation in the event.

The competition marked the first national level music contest for Glacier Middle School’s ensembles and resulted in two top finishes for the SeaTac school’s music program.