From January 23rd-25th, seven St. Thomas student musicians traveled to Richardson, Texas to participate in the 2025 Texas Private School Music Educators Association All-State Choir, Orchestra, Band, and Jazz Band. These students were selected for the TPSMEA All-State Musician honor through a series of auditions held this past Fall. Over the weekend at All-State, they worked, rehearsed, and performed alongside other top private school student musicians.

St. Thomas choir students earning All-State Recognition this year were Maxwell Manning ‘25 (third year as an All-Stater), Anton Joshy ’27 (second year), Jonah Moore ’26, and Ethan Tastard ’25. Our All-State Orchestra Student this year was James Dixon ’26 on violin (second year as All-Stater). Our All-State Band Student this year was Evan Wagner ’25 on Baritone Saxophone, and our All-State Jazz Band student was Blaine Turner ’25 on guitar.

 

The TPSMEA All-State ensembles met on Thursday, January 23rd to begin a process of rehearsals with their clinicians, culminating in concerts held at the Eisemann Center on Saturday, January 25. The All-State Orchestra was directed this year by Mr. Jeffrey Grogan of Oklahoma City University in a challenging program of music. The All-State Choir was led by the highly renowned choral director from St. Olaf College, Dr. Anton Armstrong.

“The 200-person choir stunned the audience with a moving and beautiful performance,” TPSMEA Vocal Division Vice President and St. Thomas Choir Director Joshua Wilson shared.

The All-State Jazz Band was guided by arranger, composer, and band leader Mr. John Wasson in a lively program of standards and newer arrangements created by Wasson himself. The All-State Band was led this year by Dr. Caroline Beatty from Texas State University in a program that included Gershwin’s immortal score for An American in Paris.

“St. Thomas High School was well represented by these dedicated, hard-working musicians during the All-State weekend,” Wilson said. “We are very proud of their achievement and artistry.”