Wichita, Kans. It is the largest city in the state, known as the Air Capitol of the World and also is the location of the Kans. All-State Music Convention.

Six students auditioned for a spot in the Kansas Music Educators Association, or KMEA, All-State ensembles this past Saturday. Out of these six, five earned a place in the All-State groups.

Juniors Tristan Callis, viola, and Ben Rajewski, 3^rd trombone, were both selected into the orchestra. Seniors Amy Jordan, 5^th clarinet, Aislinn Walters, 1^st alto saxophone, and junior Alex Crowley, 5^th trombone were named into the 56A band.

“I think the first thing I did when I found out I made it was scream and then I started hitting things with my pillow,” Jordan said. “Then I checked the roster again to be sure.”

For Jordan, auditions are nerve-wracking.

“I hate auditions,” Jordan said. “I prepared by doing mock auditions, practicing a lot and eating my feelings. The idea that months of practice can be thrown away in a couple of minutes is terrifying. I know they are good for me, but I hate them.”

The All-State Convention, which is to be held Feb. 27 through March 1, consists of an orchestra, choir, jazz band, and two concert bands – one made up at 1234A schools and the other of 56A schools.

Choir students auditioned for placement several months ago, with 12 Hays High students making the cut. This year, Hays High is sending a total of 17 people to the convention.

“The last time we had this many students make it was around 2004, I think,” band director Craig Manteuffel said.

Manteuffel discussed some of the benefits he expects the students to take home from the experience.

“There are great clinicians and all the students in the groups are amazing players,” Mantueffel said. “They are the best high school musicians in Kans. They will leave the experience with a new love and appreciation for music education. When I was an All-State band member in the early 1980s the experience I had made me want to become a band teacher.”

14awalters@usd489.com