2 Aldine ISD Students Named All-State Musicians

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The [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Texas Music Educators Association selected trombone player DeVionne Jones from [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Eisenhower High School and saxophone player Jorge Galván from [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]MacArthur High School to comprise the All-State group. This is an honor that only three percent of musicians who initially audition achieve.

TMEA selected the students for this honor through a competitive process. Earlier this school year, students competed at District, Region, and Area levels.

All-State Musicians

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]More than 60,000 students initially entered the All-State competitive process[/li] [li]TMEA selects 860 to perform with All-State Concert and Jazz Bands [/li][/ul] [ul class=”list list-search”] [li]TMEA selects 220 to perform with All-State Orchestras[/li] [li] TMEA selects 616 to perform with All-State Choirs[/li][/ul]

All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. TMEA selects more than 1,600 students to All-State.  Each year, more than 60,000 students from around the state vie for this honor to perform in one of 15 ensembles.

This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 28 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete in Area competitions. The highest-ranking Area musicians qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group.

DeVionne, a junior trombone player at Ike, feels honored that TMEA selected him.

“I know that I can become a better musician,” DeVionne said. “Just being good enough is not my standard. I keep pushing myself to do better. I am honored to be an All-State Musician.“

DeVionne’s band director Michael Own is proud of him.

“The band staff is extremely proud of the work and accomplishments of DeVionne,” Owen said. “He is a dedicated student and works extremely hard playing and practicing for several hours each day. He is an example of perseverance. This is a goal that he set for himself years ago and he has stayed focused throughout the entire process.”

Jorge is under the direction of José Díaz at MacArthur High School. He is also taught by Caitlyn McClellan.

“Jorge is a fine musician and deserves this honor,” Díaz said. “He is extremely dedicated to being the best musician he can be. To make it to this level, students have to spend many hours outside of school and regular band rehearsals preparing. Jorge’s efforts and dedication paid off.”

The secondary performing arts program in the district is under the direction of [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Dr. Jeff Laird.

The All-State students are currently taking part in three days of rehearsals during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. This honor is giving them the opportunity to work with nationally recognized conductors who are directing them. This year, the convention is taking place Feb. 11-14 in San Antonio. The All-State students’ performances for thousands of attendees will bring the event to a close.

For the All-State concert schedule and conductor information, go to [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]TMEA’s convention webpage.