Garland ISD fine arts programs produce some of state’s best musicians

(Garland ISD-January 30, 2013) In 2012, Garland ISD received its second-consecutive Best Community for Music Education honor from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Now the district is living up to that title, with 17 musicians earning spots in Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State bands and choirs.

“Garland ISD has a long tradition of placing outstanding students in All-State organizations,” said George Jones, director of Fine Arts. “This year is certainly no exception. We are especially pleased to have two students who are four-year All-State qualifiers.”

TMEA awards the highest honor a Texas music student can receive—only 1,500 get the opportunity to perform in one of 13 All-State ensembles. The competitive selection process begins with more than 55,000 students from across the state auditioning in 28 TMEA Region competitions. Individual musicians are ranked after performing selected music for a panel of judges. A smaller group then advances to compete against musicians from other regions in seven TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians from the Area round qualify for a prestigious All-State position. Ensembles meet at the annual state TMEA Clinic/Convention in February. After rehearsing for three days under the direction of nationally recognized conductors, they close the conference performing before thousands of music educators.

Garland ISD’s All-State students include: 

Garland High School:

Kelli Bashaw – 5A All-State Band, first year All-State

Lacie Block – Mixed Choir, first year All-State

Gabriel Ethridge – Men’s Choir, second year All-State

Malik Henderson – Men’s Choir, second year All-State

Lauren Noble – Women’s Choir, first year All-State

Monica Ogbonnaya – Mixed Choir, third year All-State

Maddie Smith – Women’s Choir, first year All-State

Naaman Forest High School:

Micah Ndiba – Mixed Choir, third year All-State

North Garland High School:

David Estrada – Mixed Choir, first year All-State

Dorien Tate – 5A All-State Band, first year All-State

Rowlett High School:

Christian Cardenas – 5A All-State Band, second year All-State

Cedric Dario – TMEA Jazz Band, second year All-State

Austin Nix – 5A All-State Band, fourth year All-State

Sachse High School:

Carrie Blumhardt – 5A All-State Band, first year All-State

Morgan Daniels – Mixed Choir, fourth year All-State

Sam Hundt – 5A All-State Band, second year All-State

Elizabeth Schutter – Women’s Choir, second year All-State

Submitted by Tiffany Graber, Garland ISD Communications.

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