SPC music students perform in All-State Jazz, Symphonic bands

by Courtney Bullard, co-associate editor

South Plains College recently was represented by six students in the Texas Community College Band Directors Association All-State Bands.

The All-State Band was held in conjunction with the Texas Music Educator’s Association annual convention, which was held Feb. 14-Feb.17 in San Antonio.

The students auditioned in October by submitting a CD recording of them playing a technical and lyrical study. The submissions were then judged, and those selected were notified.

The students from SPC were competing with students from 11 different community colleges. Only 100 students were selected to the Symphonic Band, and 18 were selected for the Jazz Band.

Five students from SPC were selected for the Symphonic Band. They were: Sandi Parrish, a sophomore music education major from Levelland; Sarah Dephew, a sophomore music education major from Clarendon; Quin Carter, a freshman pre-physical therapy major from Coronado High School in Lubbock; Krystal Alley, a sophomore science major from Coronado High School, and Eric Maes, a freshman from Coronado High School.

“I thought it was really cool, and it was a lot of fun,” said Maes. “The convention was really big.”

Ruth Cunningham, sophomore music major from New Deal, was selected for the Jazz Band.

“It was amazing,” Cunningham, said, “I was the only girl. I got to learn from an amazing teacher, and I grew as a musician.”

As members of the All-State Band, the students rehearsed and put on a performance in San Antonio. The members had the opportunity to attend the convention, concerts and clinics. It was an honor as well as learning experience.

“I’m glad to see them get the opportunity to be exposed to other musicians from other parts of the state,” said Lynda Reid, director of Symphonic Band at SPC. “For those who are planning to become teachers, it gives them a really good perspective on a future career.”

Reid has been at SPC for 21 years.  She attended Texas A&M at Commerce, where she majored in music education.