Dekaney High School seniors Gabriel Manzano and Dylan Masariego perform with the 2019 All-State Philharmonic Orchestra at the annual TMEA Convention in San Antonio.
HOUSTON – March 20, 2019 – Nine Spring ISD high school students were selected to join the 2019 All-State music ensembles – including choirs, bands and orchestras – during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 2019 clinic and convention, held Feb. 13-16 in San Antonio. This week, the group was recognized by the Spring ISD Board of Trustees for their accomplishment.
With more than 70,000 Texas high school students auditioning for the ensembles and less than 1,800 making the final cut and receiving the coveted invite, the TMEA All-State participants are among the top tier of all student musicians in the state. The honor follows a competitive audition process held each year across the state and progressing through district, region and area levels before the final ensembles are named. Only the highest-ranking musicians earn a chance to perform as part of a TMEA All-State music group.
“These students work so hard to achieve this, and it’s amazing hearing the music they create as part of the All-State ensembles,” said Spring ISD Director of Performing and Visual Arts Dr. Joe Clark. “It’s a wonderful performance opportunity, but really the whole process – from the first audition all the way to the final concert – is designed to challenge the students to learn and grow.”
This year’s All-State choir participants from Spring High School are: Deborah Edquist, Alto 1 (All-State Treble Choir); Emmanuel Guzman, Bass 1 (All-State Tenor-Bass Choir); and Josue Hernandez-Navarro, Tenor 2 (All-State Tenor-Bass Choir). This was Hernandez-Navarro’s third time being selected as an all-state participant.
Also representing Spring High School at the convention – while making his third all-state appearance – was Ryan Dimaranan, who was chosen to play trumpet in this year’s All-State Concert Band.
Meanwhile, four Dekaney band students made the trip for this year’s All-State ensembles: Roberto Gaitan, Tuba (All-State Symphonic Band); Elian Hernandez, B-flat Clarinet (All-State Symphonic Band); Gabriel Manzano, Bassoon (All-State Philharmonic Orchestra); and Dylan Masariego, Flute (All-State Philharmonic Orchestra).
Finally, representing the Westfield High School band program at this year’s convention was Daniel Cruz, who was selected as a tuba player for the 2019 All-State Concert Band.
Participating students spend three days rehearsing with their respective ensembles over the course of the convention, leading up to a series of performances that serve each year as the event’s culminating highlight. Working with top-notch, nationally recognized conductors, while building musical rapport with their peers from across the state, offers a unique challenge and helps participants grow as musicians.
“It’s a masterclass in musicianship and teamwork,” Clark said, “It’s great to see such a strong showing from our Spring ISD band and choir students again this year. We’re really proud of them, and grateful for their band and choir teachers who help them succeed and inspire them to be their best.”