According to Cedartown High School ninth-grader Holly Robinson, when it comes to playing the oboe, you’re either really good or you’re really bad.

“There’s pretty much no in between,” she said with a chuckle. And when it comes to the ins and outs of oboes, she should know.

Robinson was recently selected as a member of the Georgia All State Honor Band. It’s quite an honor, according to her high school band teacher Tom McGarity. “It’s impressive for anyone to be selected for All State Band, but to do so at such a young age is really special,” McGarity said.

Being chosen as a member of All State band involves a process of carving down a large pool of student musicians selected from a district round competition. Those from the district round then compete for the honor of All State, which ultimately produces the best of the best.

Robinson was one of 10 oboists from around the state selected for the honor.

Robinson has played the oboe since sixth grade and comes from a musically gifted family. Her father, Don, plays trumpet, and her mom, Julie, plays the French horn. Her older sister Allison plays the oboe and was also a previous member of the All State Band.

Having two accomplished oboists from the same family is something to be proud of and perhaps something that drives a little friendly sibling competition.

When asked why she decided to learn to play the oboe, Holly gave an honest, sisterly response. “I had to choose something that would be fun to annoy my sister with, so I picked the oboe,” she said grinning.

Regardless of the sibling annoyance factor, playing the oboe is something Robinson enjoys. She practices as much as she can and lists

Handel’s Sonata in C minor as her favorite piece to play. When marching band season rolls around, she trades in the oboe for a mellophone.

Though her talent for music is apparent, she’s not dreaming of a

career in music. Instead, Robinson is interested in the field of neuroscience.

But for now, she’s concentrating on finishing her freshman year on a strong note and is looking forward to playing in the All State Band concert coming up this weekend in Savannah.

“It’s going to be a fun weekend,” Robinson said. “I like being able to tell people something through music. Being able to communicate emotion through your horn instead of your mouth is why I enjoy being a musician.”