Lindale band students earn All-State honors

Lindale—Two Lindale High School Band members have earned one of the highest honors available to Texas student musicians, qualifying to perform with the 2026 Texas All-State 4A Symphonic Band.

Will Schrat and Michael Rasbury will rehearse and perform with the elite ensemble Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention.

Schrat, a senior trombone player, and Rasbury, a junior clarinet player, were selected through a highly competitive audition process that advanced from district to region and area levels across the state. This marks the first time either student has performed as a member of a TMEA All-State organization.

Schrat is the child of Michael and Stephanie Hirst and Andrew Tenberg. Rasbury is the child of John and Monette Rasbury.

“We are so proud of these young men as well as all of our students who participated in the All-Area round of auditions seeking a chair in the 4A All State Band,” Director of Bands Weston Fisher said. “It is quite the accomplishment for any individual student musician to earn a spot in one of the Texas All State Ensembles.” 

High school students selected for All-State honors compete through a rigorous, multi-level adjudication process that begins with approximately 60,000 students statewide. Only about 3 percent of those who audition ultimately earn placement in one of 18 All-State ensembles.

“Lindale High School is so proud of Will Schrat and Michael Rasbury for their outstanding accomplishment,” LHS Principal Kyle Wright said. “Their hard work and dedication are evident through this prestigious honor. The LHS Band has a tremendous reputation, spanning over many decades, and these young men have helped continue that legacy.” 

The Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the annual All-State competition, which begins with auditions in 33 regions across Texas. From there, selected musicians advance to one of eight area competitions, where the highest-ranking performers qualify for All-State placement.

During the TMEA Clinic/Convention, All-State musicians participate in four days of intensive rehearsals under nationally recognized conductors before performing for thousands of educators and attendees from across the state.

More information about All-State performances and conductors is available at www.tmea.org/convention.

SOURCE Texas Music Educators Association