Students earn all-state titles

Feb. 14, 2015

Seventeen Garland ISD high-schoolers recently earned the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Besting thousands of their peers across the state, they won Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State titles Jan. 10.

“An All-State musician is truly the best of the best,” said GISD’s Director of Fine Arts George Jones. “We are so proud of these students and appreciate their parents for all their support.”

Every year, more than 60,000 band, choir and orchestra students vie for a spot in one of 15 All-State ensembles. Only those who compete in regionals, advance to area and are deemed one of the highest-ranking musicians qualify to perform at the annual TMEA convention in February.

“Earning a seat in one of the TMEA All-State ensembles is one of the greatest achievements that a student can attain.  It represents countless hours of hard work and dedication,” Jones explained. “The All-State experience gives our students an opportunity to sit side-by-side with other outstanding musicians from all over Texas.”

This year’s titleholders hail from five of GISD’s seven high schools, and range in age from 14 to 18. Thirteen vocalists, two woodwind players, one trumpeter and one harpist all earned the coveted honor.

A complete list of Garland ISD’s 2015 All-State students is below.

Band

  • Etsehiot Degefu – Naaman Forest High School, All-State Band
  • Trenord Fobb – North Garland High School, All-State Band
  • Patrick Hill – Rowlett High School, All-State Jazz Ensemble I

 

Choir

  • Allison Dennis – Naaman Forest High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Laura Dunnican – Garland High School, All-State Women’s Choir
  • Preston Hart – Rowlett High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Malik Heard – Sachse High School, All-State Men’s Choir
  • Michael Isenberg – Garland High School, All-State Men’s Choir
  • [Name withheld] – Garland High School, All-State Men’s Choir
  • Maritza Moreno – Rowlett High School, All-State Women’s Choir
  • Taylor Nash – Rowlett High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Seth O’Neil – Garland High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Madison Smith – Garland High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Kristine Ubina – Garland High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Karen Wemhoener – Garland High School, All-State Mixed Choir
  • Thomas Whittington – Garland High School, All-State Men’s Choir

Orchestra

  • Juanito Riveros – Garland High School, All-State Symphonic Band

 

Photo courtesy of Karen Lewis

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