Three members of the DeKalb County Band have made the all-midstate band, making them some of the best musicians in the state of Tennessee.

Earning the distinction are three saxophone players from the DCHS band including Javonte Martin, Axel Rico and Victor Luna

Mid-State is a weekend event held each spring that provides an opportunity for the best musicians of Middle Tennessee to perform with one another in large ensembles. Each Mid-State ensemble will prepare and perform a concert with just a few short rehearsals.

To make the Mid-State Band or Orchestra, DeKalb County Band Director Tracy Luna explained, students must go through the audition process in the fall, which includes three parts: scales, prepared music, and sight reading. The highest scored musicians in each section are selected to be a memb

er of the Mid-State Band or Orchestra, with the top few high school musicians from each section qualifying for All-State.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for students as it prepares and propels them toward post-secondary musical experiences,” Luna said.

Axel Rico, saxophonist who served as field commander during marching season, auditioned and was awarded first alternate for the silver all-midstate band. He is the first call if someone cannot make it or gets ill.  He was chosen from dozens of 11th and 12th grade superior alto saxophone performers from the midstate.

 Javontae Martin, alto saxophone, performed a very high scoring audition. Javontae was 16th out of almost 60 players.  “A very good showing for a freshman performer,” Luna noted.

Auditioning and selected in his third midstate band was Victor Luna. Victor successfully auditioned for the top band and was awarded second chair tenor saxophone, one chair away from his first all-state experience. Sophomore Luna has two more years to shoot for all state. 

"I am proud of each student that auditioned and the accomplishments and strides each has made this last year.” Luna said. “Go Tigers!"