THOMASVILLE- For the third consecutive year, Thomas County Central High School will send over 70 students to participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association District Honor Bands. This year, a remarkable 74 TCCHS students earned seats in the prestigious ensembles, the highest number from any school that auditioned in December. This achievement highlights the dedication, talent, and tradition of excellence within the TCCHS band program.

The 74 seats are split between the ninth and tenth-grade concert band, which boasts 33 TCCHS students, and the eleventh and twelfth-grade symphonic band, with 41 students. Additionally, TCCHS musicians claimed 13 first-chair spots, and three students were selected to play multiple instruments.

“It is a long-standing tradition that Thomas County Central High School students dominate the GMEA District Honor Band ensembles, but having over 70 students accepted for the past three years is an unbelievable achievement,” TCCHS associate band director Kristen Swan said. “I am so incredibly proud of the hard work these students have put in every day for four months to prepare for the auditions.”

The audition process requires months of preparation, including practicing scales, mastering an etude (a musical exercise designed to challenge technical skills), and sight reading, which involves performing a piece of music for the first time.

“The process is very important for students for several reasons,” band director Joe Regina explained. “It helps them learn the value of hard work, discipline, and practice. Also, every single student grew, not only as a musician but also as a person, through this process. They learn to persevere in high-pressure situations.”

Senior Dylan Thompson, a seasoned band member selected as first chair in the French horn section and a two-time Georgia All-State Band member, emphasized the reward of hard work. “Seeing the results from my hard work and dedication is always satisfying and this year is no different. Performing at a high level with my friends is always one of the highlights of my school year,” Thompson shared.

Sophomore Emily Mainprize, first chair in the clarinet section, highlighted the personal growth fostered by auditions. “I want to audition to get the experience. Having gone through auditions helps to boost my confidence when it comes to getting in front of people and having one shot,” she said.

Sophomore Tayler Vann, who earned a clarinet spot and was also selected as the piano player for the District Honor Jazz Band, reflected on the value of perseverance. “I’m overall very proud of myself, and it was definitely a lesson to not underestimate myself under any circumstances,” Vann said.

District Honor Band will be held on February 7 and 8 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. During the event, students will rehearse with esteemed clinicians from across the state and country and perform in a special concert.

For the TCCHS band, participation in the District Honor Band is just one of many commitments each year. “I am so incredibly proud of the hard work our students put in this and every year. Their effort and dedication are to be commended,” Regina said. “While they participated in other events such as football games, sometimes over four hours away, fall and winter concerts, and local parades, they still found time to do a great job representing our school at district auditions.”

This milestone underscores the talent, perseverance, and support that define the TCCHS band program, setting a high bar for future achievements.

TCCHS GMEA DISTRICT 2 HONOR BAND CHAIRS

*Denotes first chair of that section

Concert Band (ninth and 10th grade)

Flute

*Grace Nestale

Tammy Bamaca-Cintoa

Emma Tillman

Shiloh Ingram

 

Oboe

*Julianne Wynn

 

Clarinet

*Emily Mainprize

Tayler Vann

Brenna Wilson

 

Bass Clarinet

*Victoria Stewart

 

Alto Sax

Elchis White

Ava Mares

 

Trumpet

*Gabriel McGuire

De’Juan Bell

Garrett Long

Jayden Fast

Enrique Camacho

Olivia Powe

 

Horn

*Gabriel McGuire

Allie Boyett

Braden Clapper

Thomas Buwa

Royson Thompson

 

Trombone

*Justin Barnes

Hudson Wynn

Chavita Correa Santoyo

Aiden Wright

Jasper Castlebury

 

Baritone

Zyrian Clark

 

Tuba

*Hudson Wynn

Chandler Phillippi

Carter Weiss

Cameron Adler-Strickland

 

Percussion

Josiah Roberts

 

Symphonic Band (11th and 12th)

 

Flute

Olivia Upton

Bridgett Cook

Ayvah Kelly

Cabe Parker

Kristina Thomas

 

Clarinet

Madison Dickerson

Kaitlyn Helms

Maya Williams

Za’Madhia Linton

Mya Sherman

Timaya Smith

Alliah Egan

Ta’Mya Major

Alyria Price

Kristen Anderson

 

Bass Clarinet

*Jaclyn Maxwell

Megan Shifferd

 

Tenor Sax

Griffin Little

 

Bari Sax

Roan Adams

 

Trumpet

Zachary Padilla

Jason Matt Bradley

Maximus Mares

Sterlyn Phinazee

Erica Khay’Yam

Evan Capistran

Julius Edwards

 

Horn

*Dylan Thompson

Phoenix Brock

 

Trombone

Sha’Leria Walker

Zavier Bristol

 

Bass Trombone

*Zavier Bristol

 

Baritone

*Taylor Johnson

Martavian Paytee

Andre Williams

Rhi’Anna Mitchell

 

Tuba

*Corey Williams

Kayin Marshall

Charles Williams

 

Percussion

Porter Blankenship

Spencer Webb

Elizabeth Ralston