At FHS, 14 Band students successfully auditioned for membership in the Texas All-State Band Jan. 10, at the University of Houston. The chosen band students will perform with the Texas All-State Band in San Antonio, Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio as part of the 2008 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

More than 55,000 students initially entered the All-State competitive process and 840 are selected to perform with All-State Concert and Jazz Bands and 220 are selected to perform with All-State Orchestras.

Competing against students from the Greater Houston area and East Texas, 12 of the 14 students were ranked first chair in their section. These students have worked diligently on the same music since it was handed out July 26, according to Band Director Greg Dick.

“They are to be commended for working hard and for so long while also participating in the marching band,” Dick said.

Members of the 5A All-State Band are Matthew Cox, Alto Sax, 1st chair, 3 year All-State Band member; Yianni Georgeton, Percussion, 1st chair, 3 year All-State Band member; and Adam Valdez, Bb Clarinet, 1st chair, 2 year All-State Band member

Members of the 4A All-State Band are Julia Bradley, Bass Clarinet, 1st chair, 3 year All-State Band member; Lacy Eason, Flute, 2nd chair, 2 year All-State Band member and Joseph Payne, Bb Clarinet, 2nd chair, 2 year All-State Band member; Katie Barton, Piccolo, 1st chair; Sydney Brunson, Flute, 1st chair; Abbie Arribe, Eb Clarinet, 1st chair; Payton Gurrettaz, Bb Clarinet, 1st chair; Cheryl Bueche, Alto Sax, 1st chair; Matt Mihovil, Bari Sax, 1st chair; Kevin Correll, Euphonium, 1st chair; and
Blake Disiere, Percussion, 1st chair.

In addition, Brandon Chao (alto sax), Allison Flake (flute), Kayla Wright (French horn), Brian Meyer (bass trombone),  and  Emily Sharp (oboe), were named first alternate to the 4A All-State Band.

Also auditioning were Jeremy Poast, Joseph Brownfield, Rachel Attebury, Laura Bradley, Chelsea Lott, Kate Zurawski, Nathan Coronado, Caitlin Bennett, Jason Konet, Freddy Patrick, Derek Schilling, Emily Keller, Brenna Patrick, Dino Georgeton, James Gregory, Eric Honore, Miles Robinson, Paul Cimini, David Gillespie, Chris Shannon, Justin Strickland, Josh Smith, and Ian Steinke.

Band directors include Greg Dick, Aaron Brown and Julio Sanchez.