Published on April 18, 2024
Zoë Buchanan, Ryan Cascarella, Gannon Ziegler, Jonah Ahlers, Jacob Soslow, and Alexander Fair reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensembles.
All-State Chorus
Zoë Buchanan (Alto 2)
Ryan Cascarella (Bass 2)
Gannon Ziegler (Tenor 1)
All-State Wind Ensemble:
Jonah Ahlers (Flute)
Jacob Soslow (Percussion)
All-State Concert Band:
Alexander Fair (Tuba)
Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area. Individually, students perform for a panel of judges. Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions. The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.
“Our congratulations go out to the student musicians that have been selected to be part of the 2024 PMEA All-State Festival,” commented PMEA President and music educator in the Octorara Area School District, Scott Cullen. “There is nothing quite like coming together for a unique performance experience that only the PMEA All-State Festival can provide. The students selected to participate in these ensembles represent all the amazing music programs from across the commonwealth and remind us of how strong music education is in Pennsylvania.”
“Earning the distinction of being an all-state musician is a testament to the hard work of the students to achieve this honor. We are so proud of them to represent our school and community at the 2024 All-State Festival!” - Matt Tenaglia, MS/HS Band Director.
The student musicians who qualify will perform at the annual PMEA All-State Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania April 18-20, 2024. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance. Learn more about the event and the guest conductors at:https://www.pmea.net/allstate
In addition to this festival, Jacob and Gannon will have the opportunity to audition for the All-East Festival that will be held in the Spring of 2025 in Hartford, Connecticut!
About PMEA
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The present membership evolved from a small group of band directors dating from 1933. Today, the organization includes those engaged in music instruction at all levels, from preschool through college and university, as well as those in the music industry, merchandising and publishing. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with The National Association for Music Education, NAfME. For more information about PMEA visit www.pmea.net.