After two rounds of auditions, students in band and choir competed in the area tryouts. Students Seth Meason, Brady Neese, Mason Maxwell, Corbin Gray, Anna Herrera, Marjorie Mendoza and William Booth all have advanced to state. 

Similar to the last rounds of auditions, students were given the cuts of music beforehand, in preparation for going up against students all around Texas. This year, unlike last year, the band all-state concert will be held in San Antonio. 

“The TMEA All-State Auditions are very competitive with there being so few spots on each instrument in our area that move on,” Director, Robert Hinds said. “So any number of students that make it to the All-State Band is a real accomplishment.”

A big factor in making All-State is motivation and practice. Every round has the same pieces of music, but every round seems to get harder and harder as fewer people qualify for the next level in the competition.

“I am extremely excited to go to the TMEA convention and to be surrounded by the top singers in the state,” Junior William Booth said. “I’ll get the chance to sing in a choir made of all the best male singers in the state which will be a dream come true.”

Booth, a third-year choir member, has never made state. Along with many others that have made state this year. ‘I got the results I was looking for and I’m pretty sure I had the most fun out of anyone at all of the auditions.’ Booth said. 

“I would spend around an hour a day practicing, as well as taking voice lessons once a week. If you can’t enjoy what you are doing, then you will never find gratification through it,” Booth said.