County’s All-State Band honorees selected

Special to the Journal

Thirteen students from Houston County schools were selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Band. They performed during the GMEA event held Feb. 28-March 2 in Savannah. Selection for All-State is the highest honor a band member may achieve. Thousands of band students from across the state audition for All-State, and only approximately five percent are chosen.

Students are selected based on auditions held in December and January. Three All-State bands are formed: one for middle school and two for high school (grades 9 and 10, and 11 and 12).

Feagin Mill Middle School had three eighth graders selected. Their band director is Lloyd McDonald, they are: Justin Hall, alto saxophone; Mary Goodwin, clarinet; and Gregory Childers, tuba.

Perry Middle School’s Vincent Glover, an eighth grade percussionist, was also selected. Vincent’s band director is Christy Hursey.

Houston County High School had five band students chosen for All-State: Cameron Dale, percussion, 12th grade; Logan Jahnke, percussion, 12th grade; Wilson Childers, trumpet, 10th grade; Brandon Fortson, trumpet, 10th grade; and Rachel Verrelli, clarinet, ninth grade.

Their band director is Wally Shaw. Incidentally, Wilson is Gregory’s brother, one of Feagin Mill Middle’s All-State honorees.

Northside High School’s Antonio Ponce was also selected. Antonio is the first student to be selected for the All-State band from Northside High since the 2006-2007 school year. His band director is Chuck Herron.  

Veterans High School students Clint Rogers and Brian Decker attended the All-State Band. In addition, Clint was a member of the All-State Jazz band, one of only four trombones from across the state. Even more impressive is the fact that Clint was the first chair trombone in the All-State Symphonic Band. Tom Brown is their band director.

From Warner Robins High School is Katie Martin. She plays the flute, and her band director is Todd Howell.