SE Valley Times

Kyrene School District has announced that 31 of its middle school students have been selected to perform in the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) All-State Band. The announcement coincides with March's designation as Music in Our Schools Month.

The AMEA All-State Band concert is an annual event that features top young musicians from across Arizona. Students are chosen through a competitive audition process and have the chance to work with peers and conductors. This year's concert took place at Mountain View High School on March 1, where the 8th Grade All-State Band was led by composer William Owens, who composed a piece specifically for the event.

Students from Kyrene del Pueblo, Kyrene Aprende, Kyrene Akimel A-al, and Kyrene Altadeña Middle Schools earned spots in this prestigious ensemble. Among those selected were Jackson Alexander (Bass Clarinet), Jay Cartwright (Tenor Saxophone), Alex DuPlessis (Euphonium), Rocco Juarez (Percussion), Layla Larson (Percussion) from Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School; Sydney Heinrich (Alto Saxophone), Drake Pio (Tuba), Claire Rogers (Clarinet), Oliver Wick (Tuba) from Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School; Coltrane DuBois (Trumpet), Grace Richardson (Trombone) from Kyrene Aprende Middle School; and Yeriel Woo (Flute) from Kyrene Altadeña Middle School.

"These students have worked diligently to earn their places in this esteemed ensemble," said a representative of the district. The district celebrates their remarkable accomplishments as they continue to foster musical excellence among their students.