Texas Border Business
PHARR -This year, 14 Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD high school musicians, representing band, choir and orchestra, earned the honor of being named to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Ensembles.
Every fall, more than 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their respective TMEA Region by performing selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. Following several levels of competition, the highest-ranking musicians qualify to perform in one of 15 Texas All-State Bands, Orchestras and Choirs, which is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. This year, competitions were held virtually as a way to keep students safe and at home amid the pandemic.
“I am incredibly proud of our PSJA student-musicians, who achieved this incredible milestone in their musical careers,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “These talented students dedicated their time and efforts for these month-long competitions and are now among the most talented musicians in the state. Their achievement is worth celebrating.”
In addition to setting a district record of 14 students joining the All-State ranks this year, the PSJA North Choir set a district and campus record with seven students making the All-State Choir.
The PSJA ISD students who earned an All-State TMEA membership are as follows:
All-State Band
· Caden Karr, PSJA Early College High School
· Rey Rostro, PSJA ECHS
· Sam De Leon, PSJA ECHS
· David Gauna, PSJA North ECHS
· Aaron Vera, PSJA North ECHS
All-State Choir
· Catherine Di Grazia, PSJA North ECHS
· Jaylah Martinez, PSJA North ECHS
· Alexa Ochoa, PSJA North ECHS
· Alexis Palomin, PSJA North ECHS
· Jason Goyre, PSJA North ECHS
· Chanel Flores, PSJA North ECHS
· Madison Alaniz, PSJA North ECHS
All-State Orchestra
· Jaysen Garcia, PSJA ECHS
· Israel MacDonald, PSJA Memorial ECHS
PSJA ISD Fine Arts Director Jon Taylor shared his appreciation of the students, parents and staff for their commitment to excellence and for providing the necessary resources and guidance in helping the students and district reach this milestone.
“Being named an All-Stater is the highest distinction a high school band student can earn,” he said. “And to do this during the pandemic is further evidence of not only great talent, but also a strong work ethic. Congratulations students and directors!”
