A narrow row of navy lockers lines the hall, separated by the doors of the music suite. On the right of the entrance, a swaying, faded, red flag is routinely hung. The marble transforms into stiff carpet, and the quiet of the hallway is broken by the practiced notes of music. They are those of the Albert Lea High School orchestra and band.

“There is something about the sound of a good orchestra that just makes me smile,” said Rebekah Crissinger, ALHS orchestra teacher. “I really enjoy helping students grow as musicians so they can hear, feel and experience great music. There is nothing else like it!”

Crissinger has played the violin for 21 years and instructs orchestra throughout the community. On Jan. 28, one of her students, junior Solveig Lange, earned a Best In Site award, along with fellow junior Anna Englin. Englin was selected Best In Site for band. Lange was the first best in site winner under Crissinger’s time as Orchestral Director.

“I was really happy and really shocked,” Lange said. “My parents and Crissinger were really excited for me, and my accompanist shook my hand.”

“When Mauer texted me I was watching Sherlock, and then I started running around the house and I was really happy!” Englin said. “When I told my parents, they said ‘Oh my God! Good job!’; they were proud of me.”

Englin, alto-saxophonist, is aspiring to be a Band Director and practices every day to achieve her goal. One piece of advice she heard from (possibly) a jazz documentary “Practice Every Day You Eat” serves as a motivator and is an example of her dedication to music. Lange was gifted her first violin for her fifth birthday. She works with Ms. Crissinger and also has a private tutor. Lange plans on playing orchestra in college, and “probably after that too.” Her inspiration for becoming a violinist emerged from childhood friend, Isabel Ehrhardt.

“I started because Isabel started lessons, and I copied her when I was younger,” Lange said. “I ended up liking it; the violin sounded so pretty.”

Both musicians said practice was the key step in defining their skills, as well as having a passion for their instruments. They also thank Ms. Crissinger and Mrs. Mauer for helping them out, even with the little things.