At the high school level, Alvarado had had at least one student earn all-state honors in 19 of the last 20 years. A streak like that does not happen without a foundation being laid at the junior high level.

This fall, Alvarado Junior High had 22 students earn all-region band and choir honors.

The students were chosen through a rigorous audition process that consisted of preparing scales and musical selections. They competed against schools from across the area and because of their talents; a panel of judges selected them to be members of the prestigious all-region bands and choirs.

Band students recognized were Jacee Barker (flute), Charlie Redding (flute), Flor Cuellar (clarinet), Aaron McGowen (clarinet), Rylee Moore (clarinet), Ashleigh Rodriguez (clarinet), Anna Walraven (clarinet), Candra Bridgewater (bass clarinet), Mazzy Bledsoe (alto saxophone), Kate Walraven (saxophone), Haley Kline (trumpet), Travis Cleveland (trumpet), Wyatt Johnson (trumpet), Victoria Vargas (french horn), Angelina Easterly (french horn), Troy Tackett (trombone), Hector Velazquez (trombone), Andria Harris (euphonium), Jovanni Aguilar (tuba), Vanessa Lopez (tuba), and Gavin Rios (percussion).

“Working with a band that has 21 students placed in this prestigious group is an absolute joy,” band director Kelli Wilson said. “Their tremendous work ethic shone as they had a fabulous concert after only rehearsing with the rest of the band for one day. These students worked very hard throughout the semester, grown as musicians, and should feel elated from their accomplishment.”

Earning all-region honors for the choir was eighth grader Jade Alford, who made the Honor Treble Choir for the second year in a row.

“Jade Alford is a very talented junior high student,” choir director Elizabeth Jemaneh said. “With her natural ear for memorization and pitch, she sailed her way through the all-region audition process. I am thrilled with her success for the second year in a row and foresee her continuing to do so. Alvarado was represented well.”