Band students competing at convention in San Antonio

HARLINGEN — A whole new experience.

That’s how Aaron Zapata describes the opportunity to perform next month at the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio.

“I feel really excited because it’s going to be my first experience being with the All-State band,” said Aaron, 17, a junior at Harlingen High School.

The baritone sax player auditioned this past weekend with 22 other musicians from the Harlingen school district.

Six made the cut along with two others, Josue Ayala and Matthew Garcia, who auditioned late last year.

Matthew, 15, a viola player, will perform as an orchestra student at the event Feb. 11.

Harlingen will also send three choir students and four band members.

“I am very pleased,” said Ronnie Rios, director of music for the Harlingen school district.

Passing the tough auditions required grueling work.

“They started in early August and went all the way to January,” Rios said.

“We’ve been on pins and needles.”

Superintendent Art Cavazos also congratulated the students.

“We have an outstanding music program at HCISD, and to have the opportunity to showcase our talented musicians at the state level brings us great pride,” Cavazos said.

The students had to audition solo and under the tight scrutiny of the judges.

The pressure was powerful.

“It makes me pretty nervous sometimes,” said Abel Garza, 16, who qualified this past weekend to play his trombone at the convention next month.

He often plays solos — he’s been playing the trombone since the fifth grade.

He attributed his success at the tryouts to better preparation.