I would like to start this post by thanking all the parents and students who volunteered and helped us host yet another Alabama Bandmasters Association all state audition. I spoke with a local director who remembers being a students auditioning for the first time in 1998 at what is now our middle school (high school then). I believe that may have been the first time we hosted. that makes 24 years.
Saturday, I looked across our cafeteria and just counted my blessings. Teachers, community leaders, professors from UNA, and even our own Superintendent were helping students register for their audition. I walked the hallways to see future band directors from the UNA band sorority TBS, and 11 of our own band students leaders who gave up their Saturday morning to help. And we cannot leave out our hospitality room that is second to none! Thank you to all that helped.
Now, on with the bragging. Muscle Shoals band program had a record breaking day. 13 high school and 9 middle school students were selected for the all state band hosted this year in Mobile. That is the highest total number we will have ever taken to all state. We also have several alternates who may be asked to fill positions before that time. The number could rise. We also have 27 students who will participate in the district honor band.
*Remember students, even if you were not selected, you practiced and you are better because of the audition. It’s about the process not the results. We are proud of you for being brave enough to take on this challenge.
All State results:
Rico Chen, Middle School Flute
Trinity Carruth, Middle School Flute
Linda Zeng, High School White Band Flute
Mary Cole Kinney, High School Oboe
Aiden Foster, Middle School Clarinet
Chandler Myhan, High School Red Band Clarinet
Janelle Parks, High School Red Band Clarinet
Abby McAfee, High School White Band Clarinet
Lindsey Conner, High School Blue Band Clarinet
Heather Medlin, High School Blue Band Clarinet
Dahlia Lama, High School Clarinet Alternate
Canaan Williamson, Middle School Bass Clarinet
Samuel Butte, Middle School Alto Saxophone
Gian Ramos, Middle School Trumpet
Josh Banister, High School White Band Trumpet
Dillon Edwards, High School Red Band French Horn
Andrew Hubbert, Middle School Trombone
Allison Ornelas, High School Blue Band Trombone
David Nicolasora, Middle School Baritone
Justin Hunt, High School Tuba Alternate
Liam McGuire, Middle School Percussion
Eli Colston, High School Red Band Percussion
Eli Bell, High School White Band Percussion.
Middle School District Honor Band: (10)
Rico Chen, Trinity Carruth, Aiden Foster, Canaan Williamson, Samuel Butte, Gian Ramos, Andrew Hubbert, David Nicolasora, Liam McGuire, Caden Jones
High School District Honor Band: (17)
Linda Zheng, Elizabeth Gautney, Mary Cole Kinney, Chandler Myhan, Janelle Parks, Abby McAfee, Lindsey Conner, Heather Medlin, Dahlia Lamas, Noelia Lamas, Crystal Nguyen, Josh Banister, Jerowen Fisher, Dillon Edwards, Jacqueline Self, Allison Ornelas, Justin Hunt
If you made all state you will audition in Mobile again for chair placement. Keep these etudes sharp and aim for the highest chair in April.
We are so proud of our band program. All state is the highest individual honor students can receive in our state band association. Keep working and keep practicing. Selected or not, let this motivate you to further improve your musicianship. The countdown has begun for all state auditions next year 🙂
