Fourteen Parkland High School students reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Festival music ensembles.

Brandon Cai, clarinet; Andrew Diven, flute; and William Ray, trombone; have been selected to the All-State Band.

Jaxon Egge, bass 2; Madelyn Grim. soprano 1; Kaida Heintzelman, soprano 1; Ethan Silver, bass 1; Swarna Suresh, alto 1; and Madelynn Wascura, soprano 2; have been selected to the All-State Chorus.

Tariq Shahid, violin; Sarene Son, viola; Genevieve Vasquez, cello; and Cyan Smoyer, string bass; were selected to All-State Orchestra; and Daniel Schiffert, bassoon, was selected to the All-State Wind Ensemble.

Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area.

Individually, students perform for a panel of judges.

Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions.

The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.

“Our congratulations go out to the student musicians that have been selected to be part of the 2024 PMEA All-State Festival,” PMEA President and music educator in the Octorara Area School District, Scott Cullen commented.

“There is nothing quite like coming together for a unique performance experience that only the PMEA All-State Festival can provide.

“The students selected to participate in these ensembles represent all the amazing music programs from across the commonwealth and remind us of how strong music education is in Pennsylvania.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our students who have earned a place in the prestigious All-State music ensembles. Their dedication to musical excellence and their talent are shining examples of the caliber of students we have in the Parkland School District,” Frank Anonia, director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Parkland School District, said.

The student musicians who qualify will perform at the annual PMEA All-State Festival in Erie, April 18-20.

Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance.

Learn more about the event and the guest conductors at pmea.net/allstate.