LMEA sponsors two All-State bands – All-State Symphonic Band, which includes approximately 60 students, and All-State Concert Band, which includes approximately 80 students. Band students are selected as a result of district (1st round) and state (2nd round) auditions.
2025 ALL-STATE SYMPHONIC BAND CLINICIAN: Dr. Dennis Llinás
Dr. Llinás serves as the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Oregon. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor of Music and the Associate Director of Bands at Louisiana State University. His responsibilities included conducting the LSU Symphonic Winds, teaching undergraduate & graduate conducting, and directing the Tiger Band. Prior to his arrival to LSU, he was completing his graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin where he was working with every facet of the band program including the Longhorn Marching Band, Basketball Band, wind ensembles, and chamber music. From 2003 to 2007, Llinás was director of bands at Miami Coral Park Senior High School until he moved to W. Charles Akins High School from 2007 to 2008. As a composer, Llinás has been commissioned to compose works for musicians from across the country. Waking Dreams and Javier’s Dialog were recorded by Mark Hetzler, trombone professor at The University of Wisconsin, on Summit Records on two separate albums in 2012 and 2014. His compositions and arrangements have also been performed by The University of Texas Wind Ensemble, The University of Texas Men’s and Women’s Chorus, the Dallas Winds, as well as performances by solo artists from The University of Texas, The University of Wisconsin, Furman University, Conservatoire Strasbourg in France, Vanderbilt University, and Huston-Tillotson University.
In the world of marching arts, Llinás is an active arranger/composer/show designer producing competitive marching band and indoor percussion shows for over 50 programs across the nation. Several of his works have been published by Center X Productions and performances of his works can be heard throughout the country including Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech University, The University of Arkansas, Penn State University, Louisiana State University, and The University of Texas at Austin. Several special projects have been commissioned of him by Estefan Enterprises in Miami, FL for the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins, as well as the 2007 Orange Bowl Halftime Production with special guest star from American Idol Taylor Hicks.
He maintains memberships in the Conductors Guild, the College Band Directors National Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Golden Key National Honors Society, and the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. His recording credits include projects with The University of Texas at Austin, Summit Records, and Florida International University.
Dr. Llinás received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida International University and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. His primary conducting professors were Roby George and Jerry Junkin.
All-State Program for Symphonic Band:
Marche Hongroise – Berlioz/Yo Goto
Adoration – Price/Williams
Deciduous – Viet Cuong
La Chancla – Llinás
2025 ALL-STATE CONCERT BAND CLINICIAN: Amanda Drinkwater
Amanda Drinkwater currently serves as Director of Fine Arts for the Lewisville Independent School District. Lewisville ISD includes 61 campuses designated into five feeder patterns: Flower Mound, Hebron, Lewisville, Marcus, and The Colony High Schools. LISD schools are located within 127 square miles approximately twenty-five miles Northwest of Dallas, Texas. Ms. Drinkwater formerly served twenty-three years as a Texas music educator, with teaching opportunities at Leander High School (1996-2001), The Colony High School (2001-2003), and Marcus High School (2003-2018). She received her academic training at Louisiana State University and at the University of Kansas in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting, respectively.Ms. Drinkwater’s concert bands consistently earned superior division ratings at the University Interscholastic League Concert & Sight-Reading contests. Under her direction, the Marcus Wind Symphony was named a TMEA Honor Band finalist in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, and performed as the TMEA 5A Honor Band at the 2015 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The Marcus Wind Symphony was a featured ensemble at the Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic in 2007 and 2012 and was recognized five times as a National Wind Band Honors finalist. Ms. Drinkwater’s marching ensembles earned eleven consecutive trips to the 5A/6A Texas State UIL Marching Contest and were consistent Bands of America finalists and recipients of various caption honors. In 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 (5A), and 2014 (6A) the Marcus Marching Band earned the UIL Texas State Marching Championship, and in 2016, the group earned third place at the State Marching Band Contest. The program was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield for excellence in marching band performance and the Sudler Flag for excellence in concert band performance in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Ms. Drinkwater was named five times to ‘Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers’, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the American Bandmasters Association. She has been the recipient of the Music Educators National Conference ‘Excellence in Teaching Music’ Award (2009), the Bayard H. Friedman ‘Hero’ Award for contributions to Music Education in Texas (2011), and the UIL Sponsor of Excellence (2015).
All-State Program for Concert Band: TBA
INFORMATION ABOUT DISTRICT LEVEL (1st ROUND) AUDITIONS
Each of the nine LMEA Districts will hold a district level 1st round qualifying audition to determine the students who will qualify for the 2nd round state level audition. Students must audition in their school’s LMEA district for the 1st round audition.
Date, time, fees, and location for the 1st round audition are set by the District Director for his/her district.
1st Round – District directors will require students to submit either this form or their specific district’s form for 1st round auditions.
2nd Round – No student’s audition recording will be accepted for 2nd Round adjudication without the receipt of this form by the District’s recording date. Follow your District Director’s instructions for submitting the LMEA Student Information Release Form.
The ensemble director of any students auditioning must be a current LMEA member.
Students auditioning must be enrolled in a Louisiana-accredited high school and must be an active member of that school’s ensemble program. Click for a list of Nonpublic Accredited Approved Schools 2024-25.
In a situation where there is no ensemble in the school, the student must be enrolled in a Louisiana-accredited high school and certified by the eligible music teacher at that school or a private teacher who is a current LMEA member.
District Directors will verify that teachers of all students participating in these auditions are current full members of LMEA.
Students are eligible for membership in only one All-State ensemble.
The following wind and percussion audition materials (for All-State Band and Orchestra) will be used at both district level (1st round) and state level (2nd round) auditions.
Selected excerpts (cuts) in the prepared music (audition etudes) for wind and percussion instruments will be provided by the Band Division Chairperson and should be performed in their entirety. (Districts may not make additional cuts.)
The scoring rubric detailed below under “SCORING, TIE BREAKERS” will be used at both the district level (1st round) and the state level (2nd round) auditions to determining audition scores.
SCALES, RUDIMENTS
All-State Scale Sheets (Winds) – all twelve major scales and the chromatic scale must be played in the order and with the articulation found on the scale sheets. Be aware of the minimum required tempo. All twelve (12) major scales are required at both first and second round.
All-State Scale Sheet (Melodic Percussion) – Each set is part of a rotation of the major scales and includes three (3) of the twelve major scales. These scales must be played in the order listed on the current year’s set sheet. See the appropriate set sheet for the current year’s scale requirements.
4-Mallet Exercise Sheet (Percussion) – contains all four exercise sets. Each set includes a four-mallet chordal exercise based on the I, IV, V chords of one of the current year’s major scales. Choose set according to the following rotation.
Set I – 2024-25 Set II – 2025-26 Set III – 2026-27 Set IV – 2027-28
Percussion Rudiments – The required rudiments for each year are listed as part of that year’s Set Sheet, linked below.
PREPARED SELECTIONS – There is a 4-year rotation consisting of one slow and one fast selection. Choose the appropriate set according to the following rotation. Percussion auditions include requirements on melodics, snare, and tympani.
SIGHT-READING – All students will sight-read a short selection. Districts are encouraged to follow the procedure set up for 2nd Round.
AUDITION CUTS FOR 2024 (ETUDES AND PREPARED SELECTIONS) – These are to be used in all 2nd Round auditions and may also be used in 1st Round auditions. The cut sheet includes percussion requirements. If you have any questions, check with your District Director.
SELECTION PROCESS. Each district will determine whether the audition will be an All-State 1st round audition only or combined with a District Honor Band audition.
ORDER OF AUDITION
1. SCALES
Wind Instruments: All 12 major scales and chromatic scale are to be performed first in the audition process. Use of the required order, tempo, and rhythmic pattern is not optional. Percussion should see the appropriate Cut Sheet for current year’s required scales.
Major Scales: Students auditioning on a wind instrument will be prepared to perform all twelve major scales during the audition. The scales shall be in concert pitch and be performed in the following order: C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db/C#, Gb/F#, B, E, A, D, and G. The octave requirements, tempo, and rhythmic patterns are given on the All-State Scale Sheets. Scales are to be tongued ascending and slurred descending. Students may use their music to perform all scales.
Chromatic Scale: Each student will be required to perform their chromatic scale. Chromatic scales are not in concert pitch. The required range, tempo, and rhythm are given on the scale sheet.
Percussion Instruments:
Major Scales: Students auditioning on percussion instruments will prepare three major scales as part of a 4-year scale rotation of the twelve major scales. See the current year’s Cut Sheet for the specific scales and the order in which they will be played. The octave requirements, tempo, and rhythmic patterns are given on the All-State Mallet Scale Sheet. Students may use their music to perform all scales.
4-Mallet Exercise: Students auditioning on percussion instruments will prepare one exercise, which includes three progressions, as part of the 4-year rotation. See the current year’s “Set Sheet” information for the specific exercise.
Rudiments: Percussionists will prepare the current year’s rudiments as listed on the appropriate “Set Sheet.”
2. PREPARED SELECTIONS (Etudes)
Etudes: Selected excerpts (cuts) in the prepared music (audition etudes) for wind and percussion instruments will be provided by the Band Division Chairperson and should be performed in their entirety. (Districts may not make additional cuts.)
The student may use his/her own music in the audition.
The Band Division Chair will determine the order of performance of the etudes.
Scoring for Winds: The following areas will be considered when scoring each individual etude: Tone, Intonation, Technique, Interpretation, and Musical Effect.
Scoring for Percussion: The following areas will be considered when scoring each individual etude: Note Accuracy/Tone (melodic percussion), Rudimental Accuracy (snare), Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style.
3. SIGHT-READING
Music and Allowed Time: Each student auditioning shall be required to perform music at sight. Percussion will sight-read on both snare and melodics. The student will be given an adequate amount of time to examine the music before it is performed. All students will be given the same amount of time and all like instruments shall read the same material.
Scoring for Winds: The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring the sight-reading portion of the audition: Technical Accuracy, Tone, Interpretation, and Musical Effect.
Scoring for Percussion: The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring the sight-reading for melodic percussion: Note Accuracy/Tone, Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style. The following areas will be adjudicated when scoring sight-reading for snare: Rudimental Accuracy, Rhythmic Accuracy, Musicality, Tempo, and Style.
The sight-reading score shall be used to break ties in the overall score and ranking. For example, when two students have the same final score, the one with the higher sight-reading score shall be ranked first.
If the score remains tied, the scale score shall be used to break the tie.
If the tie remains, it shall be broken with the toss of a coin.
Any student who qualifies and auditions at 2nd round on multiple instruments will declare his/her choice of instrument by rank (1st choice, 2nd choice, etc.) at the conclusion of 1st round auditions. This choice will be noted by the district director on the district allotment quota form.
Depending on the current year’s music requirements, one piano player and one string bass player may be selected for membership in the All-State Symphonic Band and/or the All-State Concert Band. Auditions on these instruments will follow the audition requirements and procedures found on the All-State Orchestra page. There is only a single audition for these instruments as explained on the orchestra page.
Audition materials will include selected scales and prepared selections. Choose the “Set” for the current year. Auditions will be recorded by the district director or designated orchestra chair. The audition date will be listed on your district’s calendar.
The recorded auditions will be submitted to the Orchestra Division Chairperson for adjudication. If selected to All-State, a student will be invited to participate in one of these ensembles – Orchestra, Symphonic Band, or Concert Band.
Students auditioning for “Bass Trombone” must audition on an actual bass trombone as defined by its bore size, configuration of rotor(s)/tubing, and ability to play the full range of all excerpts in the four-year audition cycle (low G).
District allotments for 2nd round will be four tenor trombones and one bass trombone.
In the event a district has no bass trombone auditioning or none qualifies per the above rule, no bass trombone will advance to the 2nd round from that district.
2nd Round Auditions:
Students auditioning for “Bass Trombone” must audition on an actual bass trombone as defined by its bore size, configuration of rotor(s)/tubing, and ability to play the full range of all excepts in the four-year audition cycle (low G).
A student’s score must rank within the range of the tenor trombone scores in the particular All-State ensemble or be next in line in order to be placed in that ensemble.
In the event there is no bass trombone audition score ranking within the range specified, an additional tenor trombone will be placed in the ensemble.
Instrumentation for each All-State ensemble will be as follows unless altered by music requirements: 1. Symphonic Band – 6 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone 2. Concert Band – 8 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone 3. Orchestra – 2 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone
At the conclusion of each district’s 1st round audition, students will be recommend for the second round (state level) auditions subject to the following quotas.
There will be no “alternates” submitted. The quotas have been increased to allow students who would have previously been “alternates” to now become part of the 2nd round quotas submitted.
All qualifying students must score at least 50% of the top score on their instrument at 1st round.
9 Flutes
4 Oboes
4 Bassoons
12 Bb Clarinets
4 Bass Clarinets
3 Contra Clarinet
8 Alto Saxes
4 Tenor Saxes
3 Baritone Saxes
9 Trumpets
8 French Horns
7 Trombones
3 Bass Trombones – see “Clarification on Bass Trombone Audition”
7 Euphoniums
8 Tubas
8 Percussionists
Quota Sheet: Once your District has completed its 1st round audition and students have been selected to continue to the 2nd round, District Directors should fill out the District Quota Sheet for your District. The quota sheet will be emailed to the District Directors by the Division Chair. Follow the Division Chair’s instructions and deadlines. Be aware of the current year’s deadline.
INFORMATION ABOUT STATE LEVEL (2nd ROUND) AUDITIONS
The format of the Second Round audition is a Live Monitored Audition which will be submitted as an mp3 file.
District directors will verify that teachers of all students participating in these auditions are current members of LMEA.
All “2nd round” auditions will be audio recorded by the District Director or his/her designee(s) and submitted as an mp3 file to the Division Chair for adjudication.
The date, time, and location will be set by the district, but must adhere to the current year’s state deadlines.
DEADLINES for 2024-25:
District Deadlines – District Directors will provide procedural information and set the deadline for receiving checks and student information from schools in their district. This deadline may be before the state’s deadline.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 – Deadline for completion of all 2nd round auditions and the receipt of all student registrations and audition fees by the district director or his/her designee.
Monday, October 14, 2024 (by 11:59 pm) – Results for the All-State Bands and Orchestra Winds will be posted online. Check ALL lists. Registration forms for students selected to an ensemble will be opened once rosters are posted.
DATE and LOCATION: Each district director will schedule the date, time, and location for recording 2nd round auditions in his/her district.
STUDENT RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM – this will need to be printed, signed, and must be turned in to your district. Follow your district’s instructions for submitting this form. Auditions cannot be adjudicated without this form.
AUDITION FEE and REGISTRATION:
$15 per audition
Ensemble directors must follow their District Director’s instructions and deadline for submitting school checks.
District Directors must confirm that they have received all audition fees and forms by the date the audition files are uploaded. An audition cannot be adjudicated if the audition fee has not been received.
All auditioner information will be submitted by the District Director or his/her designee. This includes: Name, School, Grade, Instrument or Voice, All-State Ensemble preference, T-Shirt Size, Audio audition file, Verification of receipt of the “Release of Information” Form.
All second round audition recordings and registration forms must be submitted via the Google form by 11:59 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024 by the District Director or his/her designee. (Links will be sent to the District Director.)
AUDITION CUTS FOR 2024 (ETUDES AND PREPARED SELECTIONS) – These cuts are for wind and percussion players and must be used in all state level (2nd round) auditions. If you have any questions, check with your District Director.
Sight-reading will be sent to each district director by the band division chairperson as .pdf files via email.
District directors should keep these files in strict confidentiality throughout the audition process.
District directors should print and catalog the sight-reading as needed for distribution to auditioners (during the audition only), judges and monitors.
Monitors will return all sight-reading copies to the district director at the conclusion of the audition recording. These copies will be discarded by the district director once he/she has verified that all copies have been returned.
All 2nd round auditions will be audio recorded (.mp3 file).
Each District Director will assign one or more monitors to record the second round audition and certify that each auditioner played the material without any restarts.
Monitors should be carefully selected by the district director to ensure procedural continuity of the audition. It is recommended that monitors are band directors within each district.
An audio test of the recorder and room should be done before any auditions begin. Be sure the student will be clearly heard.
The monitor will read the following script at the beginning of the audition/recording to announce and identify each auditioner: “On(Insert Instrument), this is Audition Number(Insert Audition Number).”
Be sure that the instrument and audition number announced on the recording are accurately entered on the track sheet.
Monitors should verify that the recording is on the recorder before the auditioner leaves the room (if possible). (This can be done by playing a few seconds of the recording and checking the length of the file on the recorder.)
Audition restarts will only be allowed if there is a technical issue with the recorder.
TRACK SHEET:
A track sheet will be shared via Google Sheets to enter the audition information at the “room” level. This includes: Room Number, Recorder Number, File Name, File Duration, Last Name, First Name, Instrument/Voice, Audition Number.
The Room Number, Recorder Number, File Name and Audition Number are to be determined by the District Director or his/her designee.
There should be one track sheet for each room used at the second round audition.
RECORDING EQUIPMENT:
The recommended recorder is a typical “voice recorder” like those used for adjudicators at large ensemble assessment. District Directors have received information about these recorders.
2nd ROUND AUDITION FILE SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
Each district director (or designee) will be responsible for submitting the auditioners’ information and uploading audio audition recordings into the Google form shared by the audition coordinator.
All student registration information and audition recordings must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024. District Directors will communicate to their district regarding how they want to receive student information – name, school, grade, instrument, All-State ensemble preference, t-shirt size, audio audition file, verification of receipt of the “Student Release of Information Form.”
Google Drive is one of the easiest and most accessible platforms to use for file sharing. However, some school districts restrict the sharing of files from their school google drives. Files must be accessible to the chairperson to be judged for inclusion in the group. Discussions with your school district’s IT department may be necessary to ensure usage in the All-State audition.
The sight-reading score shall be used to break ties in the overall score and ranking. For example, when two students have the same final score, the one with the higher sight-reading score shall be ranked first.
If the score remains tied, the scale score shall be used to break the tie.
If the tie remains, it shall be broken with the toss of a coin.
ENSEMBLE ASSIGNMENTS: Wind and percussion students’ assignments to symphonic band, concert band, and orchestra are based on the total 2nd round audition score. Seniors have a choice between band and orchestra, but this choice must be submitted by the district director prior to the 2nd round audition.
Results will be posted on this website by Monday, October 14, 2024 (11:59 pm) or as soon as possible once they are finalized for all ensembles requiring wind and percussion players.
Check results for Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Orchestra Winds.
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS SELECTED TO AN ALL-STATE ENSEMBLE
LOCATION, DEADLINES, FEES
Location – Hilton New Orleans Riverside (all rehearsals and concerts)
Registration Fees – $205
Deadline – Saturday, November 2, 2024 by 11:59pm (All-State registration form, All-State permission form, fees, and if applicable, LMEA Academic Award form)
LMEA is working hard to provide the highest quality All-State experience. All ensembles will rehearse and perform under the leadership of a nationally-celebrated director. Evening concerts will feature Louisiana universities as well as guest artists from around the country.
The registration fee covers rehearsal and performance related expenses, music, an All-State patch, All-State t-shirt, and the LMEA Academic Award (if applicable).
All students will be served a buffet style dinner each night, which will include a fresh salad, hearty main course, two sides, dessert, and beverage. Special meal options will be provided for students with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Students are on their own for lunch and breakfast. They may take advantage of food options within the Hilton. For lunch, students may choose to eat in the food court of the Riverwalk Outlet, which adjoins the Hilton Riverside. Multiple fast-food options are available and lunch breaks will be staggered to help alleviate crowds.
DONATIONS Links to information and ways to help support Louisiana’s talented LMEA All-State students can be found below. Join us as we celebrate their hard work and dedication, and this prestigious achievement.
Donation Letter – A downloadable Word doc with suggested modifications that teachers can customize to fit each student’s situation
FAQ Sheet– Detailed information on how to support Louisiana’s talented young musicians cover their All-State expenses (registration and evening meals only) by donating to students through LMEA’s portal
Donation Form/LMEA Portal – To donate to a specific student(s), school(s), or All-State ensemble events
SCHEDULE
Onsite check-in and the first rehearsals will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Both concerts will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Student Forms – Important registration information, required forms, and optional forms.
Academic Award Form (OPTIONAL) – A student who has a verified cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher must upload the verified academic award form when completing the online All-State Student Registration Form. (Only 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are eligible for this award.) The deadline is the same as the “registration due” deadline.
HOTEL INFORMATION: (Information can also be found under the Conference tab in the menu.)
All-State Rules and Regulations are part of the All-State School and Emergency Permission Form and are to be signed by each student, parent, director and principal involved.
Rules and Regulations for LMEA All-State:
Teachers are required to screen students who are discipline problems and not allow them to audition.
Students are expected to follow their school’s rules while at LMEA All-State.
Students must be present and on time for registration, all rehearsals, and any other scheduled All-State events.
Students failing to adhere to their LMEA All-State schedule or the rules and regulations are subject to dismissal.
Students are responsible for their personal equipment and instruments, including any school instruments or other items checked out to them. LMEA will not assume responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen equipment or instruments.
Any student who participates in any type of vandalism will be subject to immediate dismissal. The student and the school will be held responsible for damages.
Any student in possession of prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription, any illegal drugs or other illegal substances, including alcoholic beverages, or who consumes any of these will be subject to immediate dismissal. The parent, director, and administrator will be notified.
Students’ teachers are required to be current LMEA members and to register for and be present at the All-State event and Professional Development Conference to ensure students are supervised/chaperoned when not in rehearsals or another scheduled All-State activity.
Parents or a designated chaperone are responsible for students when they are not in a rehearsal or at an LMEA sponsored event.
Consequences and procedures related to the violation of any rules:
The student’s principal, director and parents will be immediately notified of any rule violation.
A disciplinary committee consisting of the Executive Director, the LMEA President, and the Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Guitar, Handbell, or Jazz Ensemble Chairperson (as pertinent) shall review any disciplinary problems before dismissal from the All-State group is recommended.
Any student dismissed (sent home) from an All-State event will be prohibited from participating in any LMEA event for one (1) full year starting from the time of the dismissal.
Any school organization whose student (or students) must be dismissed from an LMEA All-State event will be placed on a one-year probation. If a student is dismissed within the probation period, that school organization will be prohibited from participating in LMEA All-State events the following year.
Any infraction and subsequent dismissal will be referred to the LMEA Executive Board for resolution and clarification.
Dr. Llinás serves as the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Oregon. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor of Music and the Associate Director of Bands at Louisiana State University. His responsibilities included conducting the LSU Symphonic Winds, teaching undergraduate & graduate conducting, and directing the Tiger Band. Prior to his arrival to LSU, he was completing his graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin where he was working with every facet of the band program including the Longhorn Marching Band, Basketball Band, wind ensembles, and chamber music. From 2003 to 2007, Llinás was director of bands at Miami Coral Park Senior High School until he moved to W. Charles Akins High School from 2007 to 2008.
Amanda Drinkwater currently serves as Director of Fine Arts for the Lewisville Independent School District. Lewisville ISD includes 61 campuses designated into five feeder patterns: Flower Mound, Hebron, Lewisville, Marcus, and The Colony High Schools. LISD schools are located within 127 square miles approximately twenty-five miles Northwest of Dallas, Texas. Ms. Drinkwater formerly served twenty-three years as a Texas music educator, with teaching opportunities at Leander High School (1996-2001), The Colony High School (2001-2003), and Marcus High School (2003-2018). She received her academic training at Louisiana State University and at the University of Kansas in Music Education and Instrumental Conducting, respectively. Ms. Drinkwater’s concert bands consistently earned superior division ratings at the University Interscholastic League Concert & Sight-Reading contests. Under her direction, the Marcus Wind Symphony was named a TMEA Honor Band finalist in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, and performed as the TMEA 5A Honor Band at the 2015 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The Marcus Wind Symphony was a featured ensemble at the Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic in 2007 and 2012 and was recognized five times as a National Wind Band Honors finalist. Ms. Drinkwater’s marching ensembles earned eleven consecutive trips to the 5A/6A Texas State UIL Marching Contest and were consistent Bands of America finalists and recipients of various caption honors. In 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 (5A), and 2014 (6A) the Marcus Marching Band earned the UIL Texas State Marching Championship, and in 2016, the group earned third place at the State Marching Band Contest. The program was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield for excellence in marching band performance and the Sudler Flag for excellence in concert band performance in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Ms. Drinkwater was named five times to ‘Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers’, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the American Bandmasters Association. She has been the recipient of the Music Educators National Conference ‘Excellence in Teaching Music’ Award (2009), the Bayard H. Friedman ‘Hero’ Award for contributions to Music Education in Texas (2011), and the UIL Sponsor of Excellence (2015).
DONATIONS