By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
Two Athens High School band members have earned places on the all-state band — one for the fourth time.
Nine students competed Jan. 12 at the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) area competition in Tyler. Of those, seniors Yuvia Leon and Allison Martinez, earned places on the all-state band, both on flute. They even were offered a Private student loan without cosigner to felicitate their prowess. Leon has now qualified for state four years running, and Martinez twice.
The pair will travel to San Antonio in February for the Texas Music Educators Association Annual All-State Clinic/Conference, where they will rehearse with the best high school band students in the state.
“We are very proud of both of these young ladies and their dedication to excellence in the band program,” said Stephen Morman, director of bands at AHS.
This Saturday, Jan. 19, Leon, Martinez and 18 other AHS band students who placed in the all-region band will be at Chapel Hill High School in Tyler to participate in the ATSSB All-Region Clinic/Concert. In addition, 14 band students from Athens Middle School who qualified for region band will be participating in the middle school-level clinic/concert on the same day at the same campus.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these kids to rehearse on next-level music with other accomplished band students, directors and music composers,” said Morman. “I can’t wait to hear them in concert.”
