Play in an orchestra

I just recently auditioned for the youth orchestra that I mentioned in my last post, and the process went well and smoothly.  The song sounded great (if not a bit quiet), my nerves did not go haywire on me, the day was beautiful and Saratoga a great town to be in—and on top of everything, rather than having to wait on tenterhooks for two weeks, they notified me later that evening that I had been accepted!

But.  Slight snag.  They allowed me to join the wind ensemble, not necessarily the orchestra (because there were no extra flute seats in the latter ensemble).  Should this count as “playing in an orchestra,” or should I wait until college when I will undoubtedly be into another?

Last year, I auditioned for a local youth orchestra and although I was overqualified and I am a damn good flautist, I was not accepted because I choked during the audition.  With so many solo types of things this year (All-State auditions, NYSSMA, and the solo during our band competitions this April and May) I should hopefully overcome my stage fright problem and be accepted this June.  :)