HARLINGEN — Damian Cisneros has one last shot to perform with a Texas All-State choir.
The Harlingen High School senior is going for it in a big way.
Today he’s in Rockport to audition for a place in one of four choirs at the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention next month.
“It’s an honor,” said Damian, 17. “It’s my first time to try out with TMEA. It’s a great opportunity to meet all these people as well as try out.”
More than 20 Harlingen music students will audition this weekend for a place in 15 ensembles in band, orchestra and choir.
Out of 64,000 students statewide auditioning for a coveted position, only 1,700 will be selected.
Ronnie Rios, director of music for the Harlingen school district, said its 23 musicians auditioning this weekend will include nine choir students.
“I think our choir students here at Harlingen ISD have continued to grow musically through their careers, through middle school and high school,” Rios said.
It’s a group effort between students and teachers.
“We have very dedicated choir teachers here at HCISD that are committed to musical excellence,” Rios said. “I’m not surprised these kids are advancing Saturday. I’m sure out of those nine we’ll have some all-staters.”
While Damian and several other singers will compete in Rockport, Kevin Perez and other band members will audition in Corpus Christi.
“I put in a lot of hard work, a lot of practice,” said Kevin, 16, a junior at Harlingen High School South.
“I practiced every day, working on the same music,” said the bass clarinet player.
One of those pieces he was given to play was “All-State Etudes,” which presented some technical challenges that improved his playing.
“I have improved a lot,” he said. “My sound has gotten a lot better.”
Rios congratulated the students for their plans to audition.
“What I like about this audition is not only have they grown just in terms of their music,” Rios said. “It has taught them to be experts with time management and be disciplined with their daily regimen.”
