Winning Weekend in Fine Arts: EMS ISD Students Earn Prestigious TMEA All-State Honors
It was a weekend of celebration for the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District (EMS ISD) as students from across the district participated in the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) Area auditions. This marks the culmination of months of hard work, with only a select few achieving the honor of being chosen for the esteemed TMEA All-State Band and Choir—an accomplishment that is considered one of the highest honors for high school musicians nationwide.
The TMEA All-State selection process is no small feat. Over 70,000 students from across Texas competed this fall, and only 1,810 musicians made the cut to perform in the prestigious All-State ensembles. This year, EMS ISD students stood out, with seven of our talented musicians securing a spot in the TMEA All-State Band and Choir.
Congratulations to Our All-State Band Members:
* Boswell High School: Jonah Hamilton (Junior Euphonium), Daniel Navarrette (Junior Trombone)
* Saginaw High School: Evan Danforth (Senior Percussionist, marking his third consecutive year in All-State!)
* Chisholm Trail High School: Langston Winkler (Junior Horn Player)
Congratulations to Our All-State Choir Members:
* Boswell High School: Gabriel Borrero (Tenor 2, All-State Mixed Choir), Ryan Chamberlain (Tenor 1, All-State Tenor Bass Choir)
* Gabriel Borrero will also perform at the American Choral Directors Association Conference in Dallas this March as a member of the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir.
* Chisholm Trail High School: Rylee Karber (Soprano 2 Treble Choir Member, marking her second year in All-State!)
These students represent the pinnacle of musical achievement in the state of Texas, and their selection speaks volumes about the dedication and talent within our district’s fine arts programs.
EMS ISD Fine Arts Director, Carla Hardy, expressed her pride and excitement over this outstanding achievement. “It feels incredible to see students from multiple campuses achieve this level of success because the standard that the state of Texas has set for All-State band or choir members is the most prestigious in the nation for high school musicians. It gives our students the opportunity to perform with their peers from across the state at the highest level available to them,” Hardy said. She went on to explain that the success of these students reflects not only their individual talent but also the outstanding level of teaching and support they receive from their directors and private instructors.
The road to All-State is a long and challenging one, beginning as early as May the previous school year, when music for the next year’s auditions is released. Directors help students get a head start by connecting them with summer camps to familiarize themselves with the audition music and prepare them for the intense competition ahead.
Throughout the process, directors also organize mock auditions, giving students the opportunity to practice performing under pressure—helping them build confidence and hone their skills for the real thing. “The journey, although long and at times frustrating, is where the real growth happens,” said Hardy. “Our directors are cheerleaders, motivators, and mentors, reminding students that regardless of the outcome, the experience itself is invaluable for their personal and musical growth.”
This year’s All-State selections reflect not only the extraordinary talent of our students but also the hard work and commitment of our Fine Arts staff, who continuously strive to provide exceptional musical education and experiences for our students.
The EMS ISD Fine Arts Department will share the performance schedule for these remarkable students in San Antonio next month. We encourage you to support them as they take the stage to perform with the best in the state!
Congratulations to our All-State musicians! We are proud of their dedication and are excited to see them shine on the state level!
