<p>HOUSTON – Feb. 20, 2017 – Fifteen students from the district’s three comprehensive high schools qualified to participate in all-state ensembles – including choirs, bands, orchestras, and jazz ensembles – during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 2017 clinic and convention in San Antonio, Feb. 8–11.</p>
<p>More than 64,000 student-musicians from across the state compete in a challenging, multi-stage audition process for the chance to perform at the annual conference. Roughly 1,700 of those students made it through and received invitations to join one of this year’s 15 all-state ensembles.</p>
<p>“The students who are asked to come participate in the ensembles and perform at the convention absolutely represent the top high school music students in Texas,” said Spring ISD Director of Performing and Visual Arts Joe Clark. “They really are the best of the best the state has to offer, and it’s a testament to the many long hours of practice on students’ parts as well as the commitment and dedication of our district’s incredible instrumental and vocal music faculty.”</p>
<p>Spring High School band students who participated, along with their placements, are: Christian Gonzalez, clarinet, 1st chair – All-State Philharmonic Orchestra (3rd year All-State); Melvin Vega, clarinet, 2nd chair – All-State Philharmonic Orchestra (2nd year All-State); Anthony Cook, percussion, 6th chair – All-State Philharmonic Orchestra; Kendrick Cortez, euphonium, 8th chair – All-State Symphonic Band (2nd year All-State); Ryan Dimaranan, trumpet, 13th chair – All-State Symphonic Band; Diego Rojas, bass clarinet, 4th chair – All-State Concert Band; Javior Sorrell, baritone saxophone, 2nd chair – All-State Concert Band; and Michael Harrison, drum set, 2nd chair – All-State Jazz Ensemble I.</p>
<p>Dekaney High School band students who participated, along with their placements, are: Gerson Sibrian, trumpet, 9th chair – All-State Concert Band; Juan Guardiola, contrabassoon, 1st chair – All-State Concert Band; and Omar Carrillo, clarinet, 27th chair – All-State Concert Band.</p>
<p>Westfield High School’s Thomas Bui, a band student, was selected again this year. A percussionist, Bui earned 1st chair ranking in the All-State Philharmonic Orchestra.</p>
<p>Spring High School vocal music students who participated, along with their placements, are: Breanna Lindsey, alto 2, 4th chair – All-State Mixed Choir (2nd year All-State); Josue Hernandez, tenor 2, 6th chair – All-State Tenor-Bass Choir; and Zach Alvear, Bass 2, 8th chair – All-State Tenor-Bass Choir.</p>
<p>In addition to the honor of playing in the highly selective ensembles, participating students also had the opportunity, in the days leading up to the final performances, to participate in an intensive series of rehearsals under the baton of nationally recognized conductors. The ensemble performances – given before several thousand convention attendees – serve as a culmination of the annual event.</p>
<p>The Spring ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday recognized the students for their accomplishment, offering congratulations on behalf of the district during the February board meeting.</p>
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