La Grange Band’s Outstanding Spring Semester Paves the Way to Carnegie Hall

The La Grange ISD Bands had an extraordinary spring semester, marked by outstanding performances, significant achievements, and numerous accolades. From regional and state competitions to community concerts and prestigious showcases, our students consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication. As a culmination of their hard work and success, the LHS Band has been selected to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in March 2025. This article highlights the remarkable events and accomplishments of the La Grange High School Band during this memorable semester.

The LGISD Bands kicked off their extraordinary spring semester with a series of remarkable achievements in January.

On Jan. 6, twelve of LHS’s top student musicians competed at the ATSSB Area Central Audition. Senior trumpet player Jose Estrada clinched the top spot in the Area Central Trumpet audition for the third consecutive year, securing his place in the prestigious All-State Band. Westin Smith, euphonium, and Anthony Anzaldua were named 1st alternates on their respective instruments.

On Jan. 20, students participated in the ATSSB All-Region Jazz Band and All-Region Middle School Band Concerts at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm PAC in Bastrop. Vanessa Adams (keyboard), Jose Estrada (trumpet), and Dominick Smith (alto saxophone) represented La Grange High School in the elite All-Region Jazz Band, each delivering stunning improvisation solos. Additionally, 29 talented LMS students performed in the ATSSB All-Region Middle School Bands and showcased their exceptional skills. LMS had the most Region Band members of the 24 schools who participated in the audition.

The 2024 ATSSB Middle School All-Region Band Members were Lexi Ahrens, Eliana Anzaldua, Mylah Blaschke, Alyssa Boehm, Bianca Carrillo, Danna Castaneda, Marely Castaneda, Emireth Cerda, Mitchell Cervantes, Mia Davis, Emily Dornwell, Jacob Estrada, Audrey Green, Ian Hill, Nora Hunt, Grady Kocian, Isai Lucio, Cesar Martinez, Harper McKee, Julia Melton, Alexa Morales, Angel Rios, Lillian Carey, Rose Rodriguez, Lauren Rusek, Athena Simpson, Yahir Soriano, Rodrigo Soto, Tristan Taylor.

The month concluded on a high note with the ATSSB High School All-Region Band Concert on Jan. 27. La Grange High School had a record number of students selected for this prestigious event, and the second most students of the 24 schools represented.

The 2024 ATSSB High School All-Region Band Members were Eryn Kutchka, Autumn Wolf, Chloe Coufal, Hannah Holman, Helen Soto, Jessica Torres, Jazzmin Coleman, Joddy Moore, Anthony Anzaldua, Devin Cooper, Dominick Smith, Jill Newton, Jacob Kalina, Jack Bennett, Ray Moore, Charlie Lopez, Jose Estrada, Gerardo Gomez, Layla Pietsch, Mason Oppermann, Kevin Karstedt, Alejandro Ramirez, Meadow Taylor-Marklin, Kameron Behrens, Westin Smith, Grayson Owens, Parker Weishuhn, Brazos Vick, Jacob Bridgefarmer, Madison Messer, Rebekah Valencia, Trey Dalton.

These events set a positive tone for the semester and laid the groundwork for the numerous accomplishments that followed.

On Feb. 10, Jose Estrada performed with the ATSSB All-State Symphonic Band in San Antonio. The concert, held at the Lila Cockrell Theatre inside the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, was attended by thousands of music educators and families from across the state. Estrada, a three-time All-State Band member, was named 2nd in the state on trumpet. He recently graduated from LHS as the most decorated student musician in school history and is pursuing a Music Education degree at the University of North Texas.

The UIL Region Solo & Ensemble contest on Feb. 17 at Smithville HS was another significant achievement for the band. Thirty students earned Division 1 ratings on Class 1 ensemble music and advanced to the UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest, with four of those students also advancing as soloists. Four additional students earned Division 1 medals for their performances on Class 2/3 music. Altogether, the band racked up a record 38 medals.

UIL Region Solo & Ensemble Contest Medalists: Class 3 Solo Medalist (Bronze): Slade Jecmenek Class 2 Solo Medalists (Silver): KJ Karstedt, Brazos Vick Class 1 Solo Medalist (Gold): Anthony Anzaldua Class 1 Ensemble Medalists (Gold), Advancing to State:

• Woodwind Quintet: Eryn Kutchka,Autumn Wolf, Chloe Coufal, Meadow Taylor-Marklin, Devin Cooper

• Clarinet Quintet: Hannah Holman, Jessica Torres, Helen Soto, Jazzmin Coleman, Anthony Anzaldua

• Saxophone Quartet: Dominick Smith, Jill Newton, Jack Bennett, Ray Moore

• Tuba/Euphonium Quartet: Grayson Owens, Parker Weishuhn, Jacob Bridgefarmer, Rebekah Valencia

• Brass Sextet: Jose Estrada, Gerardo Gomez, Katty Herrera, Kameron Behrens, Westin Smith, Brazos Vick

• Percussion Ensemble: Trey Dalton, Vanessa Adams, Marissa Muras, Gabriel Vega, Hannah Gross, Travis Hill Class 1 Soloists (Gold), Advancing to State: Trey Dalton, Jose Estrada, Westin Smith, Gabriel Vega The LHS Winter Guard Unit had a strong season as part of the Texas Color Guard Circuit. They put on their most intricate and challenging show yet, titled “The Heist.” In 2023, they placed 3rd (Bronze) at the TCGC Novice Championships. This year, they were promoted to the Scholastic Regional A Class, which has more demanding show requirements and is judged with greater scrutiny. Their season included five competitions:

• Feb. 10 - Akins HS - 4th Place

• Feb. 24 - Smithson Valley HS - 4th Place

• March 2nd - Davenport HS - 6th Place

• March 9th - Vista Ridge HS - 8th Place

• March 23rd -TCGC SRA Championships at Georgetown HS - 8th Place “This was definitely the coolest show they’ve produced. The students worked hard and reached a high level by season’s end. Sarah Fourmy (Guard Director) did amazing work with designing the show and preparing our students. We also had an amazing team of parents helping with props and other logistics. It was a great season!”

The LHS Polka Band also had an outstanding month. They won 1st Place at the UIL German Regional - Sprach-Fest - on Feb. 3, which qualified them to advance to the UIL German State Meet at Texas State University on Feb. 24, where they placed 4th. This was their third consecutive year to win 1st at Sprach-Fest! Additionally, the Polka Band performed for the German Society on Feb. 26.

These performances showcased the diverse talents of the program and set the stage for further successes in the months to come.

The La Grange ISD Concert Bands kicked off their season in March, with all three having outstanding showings at their UIL Concert & Sight Reading Evaluations.

On March 5 and 6, the LMS Bands performed at their UIL Concert & Sight Reading Evaluation at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm PAC in Bastrop. The Concert Band (Non-Varsity) performed on March 5 and received a UIL Sweepstakes Award, which is awarded to middle school bands that receive a Division 1 - Superior rating in both the Concert and Sight Reading portions of the event. Their program included “Plaza de Toros” by Michael Story, “Fortis” by Gary Gazlay, and “Gothic” by Tyler Acari.

The LMS Symphonic Band (Varsity) performed on March 6th and also received a UIL Sweepstakes Award with unanimous Division 1 ratings from all six judges. Their program included “Aces of the Air” by Karl King, arranged by James Swearingen, “Kenya Contrasts” by Harry Himes, and “Contempo” by Michael Story. This was the 6th consecutive year both middle school bands have received the UIL Sweepstakes Award.

The LHS Band performed at their UIL Concert & Sight Reading Evaluation on March 28, also in Bastrop. They, too, received Division 1 - Superior ratings in both Concert and Sight Reading evaluations, resulting in the UIL Sweepstakes A Award for receiving Division 1 ratings in all three areas - Marching, Concert,