All State Orchestra is one of the most prestigious programs an orchestra player can get into on the high school level. All-State incorporates all of Kentucky, putting the best players in the state against each other to get a spot to play in the coveted All-State Orchestra. All-State is one step above All-County, which is a prestigious program that is for some of the best players in the county. There are 142 open spots with over 600 auditions per year.

On average, the program is dominated by seniors and juniors, who are some of the most advanced players in the whole state. But Atherton’s own Ryann Umbal (10) did this feat as a sophomore. This is something that is all so familiar for Umbal, doing All County for multiple years.

“I wanted to do my best on the audition, even if it meant I didn’t get in at first, because I wanted to at least try to see where I could go, see what would happen if I auditioned, and I think it paid off,” Umbal said.

Umbal, who has been playing violin for over 6 years, enjoys trying to keep up with her stand partner Adam Olin (12), who is also an All State and All County player. Umbal credits Olin for helping her get better as a player, and keeps her more competitive from day to day.

Outside of music and school, Umbal enjoys still being creative and expressing herself not just through music.

“I’m a very art-oriented person. I’m involved in visual arts, and I also really like puzzle-related things,” Umbal said.

With two more years left at Atherton, this All-State accomplishment is just the beginning for Umbal. As she continues to grow musically and artistically, her competitiveness and dedication will continue too. As we have seen this far with her amazing accomplishments, this is not the last time Kentucky will hear about her.