The gym rings with sound. Everywhere you look, you see instruments and music. Senior Spencer Greathouse, trombone, junior Amy Jordan, clarinet, junior Aislinn Walters, alto saxophone and sophomores Ben Rajewski and Alex Crowley, trombone traveled to Salina Central High School on Jan. 5 to audition for the All-State Band. Jordan and Walters both landed their names on the final roster, Jordan as an alternate and Walters as one of the alto saxophones. The final chair position for the bands will be determined on-site.

“It is so much fun for me to have students of mine in the All-State Band, because I know the students who make All-State put in massive amounts of time practicing and they are awesome players,” Band Director and KMEA President Craig Manteuffel said.

Other All-State Honor Groups include the Jazz Band, Choir and Orchestra.

Seniors Dustin Mulkey, Cade Sharp, Preston Ryan and Anna Hickert were selected for the All-State Choir along with juniors Shelby Matlock, Rachel Muirhead, Raeanna Peacock and sophomores Max Befort and Abby Henry. Senior Christopher Rooney was selected for the All-State Orchestra.

Participants in the All-State Honor Groups will travel to Wichita on Feb. 21 to participate in a three day-long music convention including exhibits and guest performances. After two days of rehearsals, students will perform a final concert on Feb. 23.

Manteuffel says the All-State experience is beneficial for students.

“Students are rehearsing and performing with the best musicians in Kansas,” Manteuffel said. “It’s very exciting.”

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