Salem is home to the best high school orchestras in Oregon.

That’s according to the annual Oregon State Activities Association competitions held in May, where local high schools dominated the competition, and choir and band programs also took home state honors.

Among the top honors: South Salem High School again placed first in the string and full orchestra competitions after winning both competitions last year. The ensemble is under the direction of Damian Berdakin.

Of the 15 string orchestras that competed at state, the top four were Salem and Keizer high schools. West Salem High School placed second, followed by McNary High School and Sprague High School.

McKay High School’s band won the 5A division at state, and its jazz band also placed first in the annual Oregon Music Educators A

See Full Page