Band and Choir students have been selected to perform at the TMEA/ATSSB All-State Convention performed this past week in San Antonio. Across Texas, nearly a million band and choir students compete in regional and area based competitions to be able to perform in one of the many ensembles at the state level. Students begin practicing selected solos and scales at the beginning of the school year, which when performed, determines their advancement and rank among other students throughout the state. This is truly an astonishing achievement and honor to be able to perform at this event, as only the most esteemed and talented musicians are granted this opportunity. Famous composers and musicians from across the country come to listen to this magnificent performance of students.

According to TMEA, “The Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students’ dedication to their musical knowledge and skill and to encourage educators to support their students in this development. Beginning each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other Regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Divisions.”

According to ATSSB, “The Association of Texas Small School Bands is a musical organization dedicated to promoting the interests of small school bands in the state of Texas. The focus of ATSSB is on serving the needs of small school band students, directors, parents, and administrators.

Four choir members qualified for TMEA All-State; their ranks are:

Kaitlyn O’Donnell- 5th Chair; Soprano 1

Michal Black- 6th Chair; Alto 1

Aidan Gilbert- 5th Chair; Tenor 1

Brilon Lichtie- 1st  Chair; Tenor 2

Five band members qualified for TMEA and ATSSB All-State; their ranks are:

Seidel Denning- 6th Chair Trumpet (TMEA)

Nikki Boron- 7th Chair; Basson (TMEA)

Natalie Crus- 1st Chair; Contra-Bass Clarinet (ATSSB)

Allyssa Schulz- 4th Chair; Trumpet (ATSSB)

Caleb O’Donnell- 7th Chair; Euphonium (ATSSB)