Eight ECISD students earn prestigious title of All-State Musician

The title of All-State Musician from the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) is considered an elite honor, and the highest individual honor a student musician in Texas can earn. Ector County ISD is excited to introduce eight students who have earned the prestigious distinction this year and will now represent the ECISD at the annual music educators’ conference in February.

“It’s very difficult to be an All-Stater,” said ECISD Executive Director of Fine Arts Dr. Aaron Hawley. “It’s a life-changing experience to be with the best of the best in State of Texas. They will be considered All-State musicians for the rest of their lives. We’re very proud of them.”

The rigorous process of regional and area auditions typically begins with some 70,000 high school students and ends with only about 2% of those students selected as All-State.

This year’s All-State Musicians are all first-time selections.

Baylee Shephard (11), Flute – Permian HS Band

Nicholas Giba (11), Eb Clarine t– Permian HS Band

D’nae Honesto (11), Trumpet – Permian HS Band

Javier Hernandez (12), Oboe – Permian HS Band (New Tech Odessa)

Arielyn Espinoza (12), Alto 2 – Permian HS Choir

Abigail Wells (12), Soprano 1 – Permian HS Choir

Julian Baeza (12), Bass 1 - Permian HS Choir (New Tech Odessa)

Fernanda Fierro (9), Soprano 2 - Odessa HS Choir

For Julian Baeza, a senior at New Tech Odessa who is part of the PHS Choir, four years of auditioning culminated not only in earning the All-State selection but also earning first chair meaning he scored the highest of all auditionees for his voice part.

“I’m so happy!” he said, adding that all of the time invested in this pursuit was worth it. “Every minute of it, absolutely. I think every minute I spent rehearsing no matter if it was late at night or early in the morning, it’s so worth it.”

OHS’s Fernanda Fierro is a freshman, with a remarkable sense of calm on such a big stage. “All glory to God,” she said. “When I was in that audition room, I remember taking that deep breath and just enjoying the music.”

She is a product of Cameron Elementary and Bowie Middle School and added, “My teachers were very kind to me and they just helped me flourish and the more I learned the more I loved the music.”  

As All-State musicians, these kids will perform in one of 18 All-State ensembles in band, orchestra, and vocal divisions before tens of thousands who attend TMEA. This year’s TMEA Clinic/Convention is February 11-14 in San Antonio.