As we kick off into the New Year, the 2025 TMEA All-State band and choir competitions come to a close.
For some background, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) website says “TMEA sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students’ dedication to their musical knowledge and skill.”
Going back to Sept. 2024, over 100 choir members tried out for the region choir . Now, after months of practice, and many new songs, three talented girls made it into the State Choir, which will be performing in San Antonio on Feb. 15, 2025
The three participants share their feelings on participating in this experience.
“I am super excited and blessed to have such [an] amazing opportunity to join the choir.”
Sophomore Molly Aslin, seventh-chair second soprano, shares her excitements about the experience.
“I am very, very happy to be in the All-State treble choir! I know that this is a big deal and I’m grateful to have been chosen!” Aslin says about her experience.
Senior Alyssa Williams, second-chair a second soprano, deeply delves into her TMEA All-State Choir audition experience through the years.
“The journey to making the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir is… filled with hard work and determination.”
Auditioning every semester since sophomore year, Alyssa has always felt discouraged and gave up during the process.
“But not this year,” Williams said. “I pushed myself to work as hard as I could. This process is tedious, but… hearing my name called as one of the ones to make the All-State Choir is a feeling l will never forget. …I am so proud of everyone who auditioned with me, for no one can get this far without putting in the work.”
You can see how meaningful the All-State choir is to those involved, these girls are so impressive! They definitely have so many amazing experiences to come.
Niiki Taleno said “Having gone through the rigorous process as a high school student for four years, it is still thrilling to teach and go to all the auditions today. It takes hard work and lots of stamina to make it through four rounds of auditions where you are sometimes singing the same music for months.” Taleno said. “Lots of events in choir are “team” events. The All-state process is one of the ways to compete individually and I love it.”
Similarly, for the BHHS Soaring Eagle Band, on Sept. 16, 2024, members of the jazz band auditioned for state. As of January, they now have two amazing members participating in the TMEA All-State Band.
High School Band Director, Chris Brannon, states “The All-State Band is the pinnacle of achievement for a high school musician and we are so proud of our students who have achieved this incredible honor!” Brannon says, “The All-State Band is the pinnacle of achievement for a high school musician and we are so proud of our students who have achieved this incredible honor!”
The fine arts department at Barbers Hill is doing amazing things, it will be amazing to see what happens as it continues to grow and flourish!
