A record number of nine Highlander Band students were named to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band, the highest honor a Texas high school music student can achieve. It is the third time HPHS junior Vincenzo Guandolo has been selected. The students will attend clinics and perform in concert at the annual TMEA Convention in February in San Antonio.
All-State Band students are:
- Ava Mitchell, Piccolo
- Olivia Kight, Flute
- Amy Xu, Oboe
- Vincenzo Guandolo, Bassoon
- Reuben Obel, Alto Saxophone
- Merrick Ellison, Trumpet
- Brandon Luk, Trumpet
- Spencer Dalton, Horn
- Andrew Liao, Percussion
The students' journey began in the fall with All-Region and Area competitions. The Highlander Band had 56 students named to the All-Region Band in December. These students will participate in the All-Region Band Clinic and Concert Jan. 13-14. 27 of the All-Region musicians advanced to the Area competition Jan. 8.
Special congratulations to seniors Julius Lee (Tenor Saxophone) and Luke Mattox (E-flat Clarinet) who placed first at Area. Click here to see the full All-Region Band results.
"I’m very proud of everyone for their work, dedication and discipline to prepare for the auditions - thereby, becoming stronger musicians," said Band Director Rylon Guidry. "We are grateful to our amazing private lesson staff for all of the time and energy they contributed. We can’t wait for these students to experience the TMEA Convention and the All-State Clinic and Concert in San Antonio next month."
The Highlander Band program is led by Director Rylon Guidry and Associate Directors Ross Gordon and Daniel Reberger.