Allison Kim, Chaparral High School senior, recently was named the No. 1 violinist in Colorado.

On Feb. 8, Kim was selected as the 2007 Allstate Orchestra Concert Master, an honor bestowed on only one student a year. According to Chaparral High School's newsletter, more than 350 string students auditioned, but only a select few made the orchestra.

Kim said she sent in her audition tape in December of last year and had to audition twice. After fairing well at those auditions, Kim was chosen for first chair during the all-state audition in February. She played a solo at the Feb. 8 Allstate Orchestra Concert.

Although being named the No. 1 violinist in the whole state, Kim said there are plenty of other talented students who deserve recognition.

"It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm No. 1, just because it's two minutes of your life," Kim said. "But it's an honor." She added that it's a lot of pressure to lead an entire orchestra.

Chaparral High School Orchestra Director Shel Stanfill said he really appreciates her demeanor and attitude about the honor.

"For as much natural talent and work ethic that she has, she is also pleasant, modest and humble," Stanfill said.

Kim said she has been playing violin for 10 years -- since she was in second grade. After graduating high school in May, the Parker student said she will be pursuing a double major in violin performance and pre med at the University of Colorado at Boulder.