Greyhound Chorale students receive All-State distinctions

The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State distinction is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive.

Audrey Garza and Ricardo Machuca, both members of the San Benito High School (SBHS) Greyhound Chorale, earned the prestigious and coveted Texas All-State Vocalist honor. Romaldo Abrego earned the first alternate distinction.

Over 50,000 students from around the state initially entered the audition process, and only 1,860 students were selected as All-State student musicians for 2021.

Audrey Garza

These students were chosen through a competitive process that began last Fall and included contests at the District, Region, and Area levels within 33 TMEA Regions.

Individual student musicians performed selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part.

Ricardo Machuca

“The experience of winning was a great accomplishment and is something that will benefit my college career,” said San Benito High School junior Ricardo Machuca.

“I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in music education. This experience was refreshing after trying for a couple of years and dedicating hard work,” said San Benito High School senior Audrey Garza.

The last time Machuca, Garza, and Abrego attended a full choir rehearsal was in March.

Since then, and because of safety protocols, they were required to learn and rehearse their music through a computer screen and private lessons after school.

“My family is music-oriented. My older brother was a member of the San Benito Greyhound Band in previous years, and my mother sings at our local church. I have learned that there is always room for improvement,” shared San Benito High School sophomore Romaldo Abrego.

Romaldo Abrejo

Despite the innumerable challenges encountered throughout this school year, these students remained committed to their personal musical development. They demonstrated perseverance and dedication that ongoing participation in San Benito’s award-winning music program fosters.

“I am very proud of these students and their accomplishments! Their All-State achievement has undoubtedly brought a renewed interest to our school district in the music community across the State of Texas. It epitomizes the Gold Standard in Public Education that we strive for at San Benito Schools,” said SBHS Choir Director Eradio Martinez.

HOTO ID for “SBHS Choir 1 AG” – Audrey Garza

PHOTO ID for “SBHS Choir 2 RM” – Ricardo Machuca

PHOTO ID for “SBHS Choir 3” – Romaldo Abrego