March is Music in our Schools Month and Kyrene School District is proud to recognize the outstanding musical achievements of the 31 middle school students selected to perform in the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA) All-State Band. These talented musicians from Kyrene del Pueblo, Kyrene Aprende, Kyrene Akimel A-al, and Kyrene Altadeña Middle Schools have earned prestigious spots in the All-State ensembles, showcasing their dedication and musical excellence.​

The AMEA All-State Band concert is an annual event that brings together the most accomplished young musicians from across Arizona. Participants are selected through a rigorous audition process and have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and perform under the direction of esteemed conductors. This year's concert was at Mountain View High School on Saturday, March 1. Notably, the 8th Grade All-State Band was conducted by renowned composer William Owens, who composed a special piece for the ensemble to premiere at the event.​

Kyrene students selected for the All-State Bands include:

Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School

7th Grade:

• Jackson Alexander, Bass Clarinet
• Jay Cartwright, Tenor Saxophone
• Alex DuPlessis, Euphonium
• Rocco Juarez, Percussion
• Layla Larson, Percussion

8th Grade:

• Emma Ball-Perez, Horn
• Lillian Bassett, Bari Saxophone (also selected for Alto Saxophone)
• Victoria Blinick, Alto Saxophone
• Emma Carmody, Oboe
• Sophie Coggins, Clarinet
• Sable Garcia, Tuba
• Emma Hocking, Euphonium
• Morgan Hsieh, Clarinet
• Julian Quintanilla Pina, Alto Saxophone
• Elaina Zemke, Clarinet

Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School

6th Grade:

• Sydney Heinrich, Alto Saxophone
• Drake Pio, Tuba
• Claire Rogers, Clarinet
• Oliver Wick, Tuba

Kyrene Aprende Middle School

6th Grade:

• Coltrane DuBois, Trumpet
• Grace Richardson, Trombone

7th Grade:

• Keoni Cole, Flute
• Matthias Knudsen-Krantz, Oboe
• Olivia Watanabe, Flute

8th Grade:

• Kai Bailey, Clarinet
• Charlotte Hawley, Alto Saxophone
• Kaitlyn Hayes, Clarinet
• Dean Mantini, Tuba
• Mariana McWilliams, Flute
• Annabelle Whitesides, Bassoon

Kyrene Altadeña Middle School

8th Grade:

• Yeriel Woo, Flute​

These students have worked diligently to earn their places in this esteemed ensemble, and Kyrene School District celebrates their remarkable accomplishments.