SFA Music Prep students qualify for All-Region orchestras

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Twelve students in the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music were selected for TMEA All-Region High School Orchestra and Middle School Orchestra at recent auditions at Kilgore Middle School.

A total of 103 middle school students and 88 high school students from across East Texas auditioned.

Middle School students who qualified on violin included Jonah Raychev, first chair; Joelle Quant, 11th chair; and Ella Guenther-Scott, 21st chair. High school students who qualified on cello were Will Sams, first chair; Grace Hao, fifth chair; Kailey Busby, ninth chair; and Samantha Flores, 13th chair. High School students qualifying on violin included Hannah Trainor, fifth chair; Karys Alders, 14th chair; and Kira Gallander, 24th chair. Qualifying on viola were Cate Baker, sixth chair; and Josue Morales, seventh chair.

“Thank you to all the teachers who helped to prepare these students for this tough audition,” said Alba Madrid, director of SFA’s Music Prep program. In addition to Madrid, other instructors included Ozge Serceler, Isabella Gaertner,  Melissa Nabb, Evgeni Raychev and Jennifer Dalmas.

Those who qualified will participate in a clinic Dec. 2 in Tyler and will perform in a concert Dec. 3, also in Tyler.

For more information about Music Prep programs, contact Madrid at madrida@sfasu.edu or musicprep@sfasu.edu, or call (936) 468-1291. Parents can also find program information on Facebook and Instagram. The Music Prep House is located at 3028 Raguet St. Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.