Updated: Music Students Make State Ensembles

While most Lancers were sound asleep in the early hours of the morning last Saturday, 40 East music students were on their way to Salina to audition for the all-state band and orchestra ensembles. These groups are composed of music students from all over the state of Kansas, and acceptance is based on a live audition. Students must first make their region’s district ensemble to be eligible to audition for state.

After a three-hour bus ride, the students arrived in Salina, and were given numbers that determined when they would audition. Nerves ran high as auditions began.

“I think my audition went mediocre,” junior bass player Mimi Rebein said. “I didn’t play as well as I could have, but that’s because I was really nervous.”

Sophomore cellist Alex Symes had never been through the process of auditioning before, and was surprised to see how much nerves affected her.

“You aren’t really self-aware when you’re in the audition room, because you are so nervous,” she said.

However, she enjoyed the experience overall, and saw it as more than an audition.

“It was much more of a group bonding experience than I thought it would be,” she said. “It’s nice to know that you’re all doing it together.”

Six students from SM East made the cut for 56A All-State Band: Claire Tracy (flute), Mary Grekstas (flute), Michelle Lu (flute), Graham Eidemiller (trombone), Nathan McCloud (trombone) and Larson Woolwine (snare drum).

Maddie Sullivan was the only East student to make All-State Choir.

Sixten students made All-State Orchestra: Grace Martin (violin), Ian Wiseman (violin), Kristin Anthonis (Violin II), Madison Hattaway (Violin II), Vannis Jones (Violin II), Emily Kulaga (Violin II), Sam Rowe (Violin II), Ali Felman (viola), Allie Chesbrough (cello), Addie Hotchkiss (cello), Kevin Xu (cello), Mimi Rebein (bass), Jake Wheeler (bass), Emma Reno (flute), Ingrid Starkey (horn) and Kellyn Harrison (horn).

Two students made All-State Jazz Band: Zachary Williams (tenor saxophone) and Kristen Shedor (trombone).

You can view a full list of the results here.