Band students qualify for All-State Band

ALL STATE BAND MEMBERS Reuben Watson, David Barnett, and Blake Richardson

On Saturday, January 6, 13 Brownsboro High School band students auditioned for and three were named to the ATSSB All-State Band. Seniors Ruben Watson, David Barnett, and Blake Richardson ended a grueling four month try-out process by receiving the highest honor a Texas band student can earn, being named a member of the all-state band. More than 9,000 high school band students from across the state of Texas auditioned in 25 different regions for a place in their respective all-region bands. The top chairs across the state, and only 240 of these 1,360 students, were selected for all-state honors.

Ruben Watson, a trombone player and senior member of the Brownsboro High School band, is the son of Jace and Pheba Watson. He studies privately with Mr. Tom Mensch, Director and trombone instructor at Tyler Junior College. This will be his second time to perform with the All-State band. Ruben is a member the National Honor Society, the Principal's Advisory Team, and serves as Section Leader in the high school band. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chandler. Ruben enjoys camping, canoeing, and riding 4-wheelers.

David Barnett is a tuba player and a senior member of the Brownsboro High School band. He is the son of Theresa Clover, of Chandler. He studies privately with Mr. Jeff Russell, BHS Band Director. This is David's first time to perform with the All-State band. David enjoys hunting and is a member of the high school Ag department, and serves as Squad and Section Leader in the high school band. He is a member of Lakewood Church in Flint.

Blake Richardson is an Alto Saxophone player and senior member of the Brownsboro High School band. He is the son of James and Wynelle McDonald of Chandler, and enjoys spending time with friends and family. Blake studies privately with Mr. Jeff Russell, and Mr. Gehrig Blankenship. This is Blake's first time to perform with the All-State band. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Principal's Advisory Committee, and the Key Club. Blake has placed well in academic UIL competition. He is also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chandler.

Watson, Barnett and Richardson will be traveling to San Antonio on February 14, where they will have their final auditions for chair placements in the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) All-State band. The bands will meet in rehearsals in the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in downtown San Antonio, Feb. 14-17, and will present a concert beginning at 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 17.

Jerry Junkin will be the clinician/ conductor of the All- State Symphonic Band. Bill Brent, from Northwestern State University in Natichitoches, Louisiana, will be the clinician/conductor of the All-State Concert Band. ATSSB has commissioned David Holsinger to write "On the Overland Stage to El Paso" for the Concert Band. ATSSB has been commissioning works for small-school (1A-3A) concert bands each year since 1995.

Mr. Watson, Mr. Barnett, and Mr. Richardson along with the 10 other area qualifiers will be recognized for their accomplishments on Feb. 12, at the BISD board meeting at 7 p.m.