Five SAISD Students Named State Musicians

SAN ANGELO, TX — ISD San ​​Angelo proudly recognized five Central High School and Lake View High School students who have achieved the highest level a high school musician can achieve through the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), earning the outstanding TMEA All- State in the orchestra, orchestra and choir.

● Heidi Bandik, LVHS Junior, All State Band, String Bass

● Gregory Foth, Senior Orchestra, CHS, All-State Orchestra, double bass

● Mia Wilcox, CHS Junior, All State Band, flute

● Lauren Ochoa, senior member of CHS, All State Band, clarinet

● Merit Shelton, CHS Sophomore, State Tenor Bass Choir

“A student’s journey to becoming a member of the elite regional and then statewide TMEA orchestra, choir and orchestra deserves praise and applause. The amount of time and effort it takes to prepare for these competitions is very similar to how an artist creates a sculpture, chisels and polishes it until it reaches perfection,” said Tiffany Huebner, SAISD Director of Fine Arts and Academic Education. “SAISD is very proud of our musicians and staff teachers who came along and supported them.”

According to a SAISD press release, CHS and LVHS students who will be selected for the nationwide award have joined more than 70,000 high school musicians from across the state to audition in front of a panel of judges in 33 TMEA regions. The students with the highest scores then advanced to compete against music students from other TMEA regions at the TMEA area level, with the highest scorers then qualifying for nationwide status.

Lauren Ochoa was named an All-State Band member for three consecutive years, an honor that a Central High School student has not received since 1968 by Linda Roundtree, who still lives in San Angelo and is an active supporter of the Mighty Bobcat Band. . In addition, Gregory Foth and Heidi Bandik were named state musicians for two consecutive years.

“I am grateful for the honor of being called the All-Union Musician for three years in a row. I remember in high school believing that All-State was a pipe dream for someone like me, and now it’s three times a reality,” said Central High School senior Lauren Ochoa. “I am overjoyed knowing that I am representing not only my school, but my city, demonstrating the level of education I have received and pushing the boundaries, setting new standards for those who follow me. I am incredibly grateful for the talents God has given me and the people he has blessed me with. Especially to my parents for their endless efforts to help me get better, and to my teachers for always pushing me to work harder.”

State music students will perform with their state ensembles on February 11, 2023 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Nationally recognized conductors will lead ensembles that rehearse for three days and end with concert performances.