HOUSTON – March 5, 2018 – Following a competitive, multi-stage audition process, nine Spring ISD high school students received invitations to participate in all-state musical ensembles during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 2018 clinic and convention Feb. 14-17 in San Antonio.
The students, including eight from Spring High School and one from Dekaney High School, are all recipients of the highest honor afforded to music students in Texas schools, one given to less than five percent of students. Each year, the all-state selection process moves through a series of regional and area competitions, with more than 64,000 students across the state competing for placement in one of 15 all-state ensembles, including bands, orchestras and choirs.
This year’s Spring High School band students who took part are: Olger Carcache, Baritone Saxophone (All-State Symphonic Band); Austin Chapman, French Horn (All-State Symphony Orchestra); Ryan Dimaranan, Trumpet (All-State Symphonic Band); Immanuel Fernando, B-flat Clarinet (All-State Concert Band); Richard Olivarri, Trumpet (All-State Symphonic Band); and Melvin Vega, B-flat Clarinet (All-State Philharmonic Orchestra).
Spring High School choir students who participated, along with their placements, are: Elayna Freitas, Alto 1 (All-State Treble Choir); and Josue Hernandez, Tenor 2 (All-State Mixed Choir).
Representing Dekaney’s band program, bassoon player Gabriel Manzano was selected for this year’s All-State Symphonic Band.
In addition to performing with their respective all-state ensembles in San Antonio, the participating students also got the chance to work under the baton of nationally recognized conductors during the rehearsals leading up to each group’s final performance.
“This is a great opportunity for our students, and one more way that Spring ISD consistently shines at the state level in fine arts,” said Director of Performing and Visual Arts Dr. Joe Clark. “It gives student musicians who are already working at an advanced level an opportunity to work with nationally recognized conductors. This would not be possible without the incredible instruction and support of their campus directors.”
Next up, the nine all-state students will be recognized at the March meeting of the Spring ISD Board of Trustees for their accomplishment and for representing the district at this year’s TMEA convention.