Estrada Qualifies for State for Third Time

On Saturday, January 6, 12 students from the La Grange High School Band competed at the ATSSB Area Central Audition to determine who would make the cut for the All-State 4A Symphonic Band.

According to the Association of Texas Small School Bands, over 10,000 students audition each year, and only 286 are selected for the All-State Bands.

Jose Estrada, senior trumpet player, won the Area Central Trumpet audition for the third consecutive year and punched his ticket to the All-State Band.

He will travel to San Antonio next month to rehearse with the band, culminating in a concert at 8:30 a.m. in the Lila Cockrell Theater inside the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. Estrada takes private lessons with Loren Parker, and is a member of the La Grange High School Band, under the direction of Chris Cooper. His parents are Brenda and Jose Estrada, Jr.

Several other students placed well at the audition, despite not advancing to State. Westin Smith, senior euphonium player, placed 2nd and is 1st Alternate to State. Anthony Anzaldua, sophomore bass clarinet player, was 2nd in the audition. Jill Newton, senior alto saxophone, placed 3rd. Dominick Smith, junior alto saxophone, placed 5th. Devin Cooper, sophomore bassoon player, placed 3rd. In each of these rooms, only 1 student makes the All-State Band.

The other Area Qualifiers from La Grange HS include: Chloe Coufal, sophomore clarinet, Hannah Holman, junior clarinet, Ray Moore, sophomore baritone saxophone, Gerardo Gomez, sophomore trumpet, Brazos Vick, senior tuba, and Jacob Bridgefarmer, sophomore tuba.