In Tune with Excellence: Midway Violinists Earn State's Highest Musical Honor

Beyond playing the violin, three Midway High School students share more than just the same instrument—they are all recipients of the highest honor for music students in Texas.

Senior Alanna Schubert, junior Esther Kim, and freshman Glenn Eshelman have been selected as members of the 2024 Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra. 

The rigorous All-State audition process began with over 70,000 high school students from across the state, and Midway’s three violinists are among the top 2.6% of students ultimately named All-State musicians. Achieving this honor demonstrates exceptional dedication and commitment, and on top of that, this marks Alanna’s fourth and Esther’s second consecutive year to earn All-State Orchestra honors.

Auditions started earlier this fall at the regional level. During auditions, students individually perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each musician. Based on this ranking, a select group advances to the area competitions, and from there the highest-ranking qualify as All-State musicians. 

Students earning All-State honors will have the opportunity to perform at the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention, which will be held in February in San Antonio. Prior to the performance, students will rehearse for three days alongside the top music students in the state directed by nationally recognized conductors.

The Midway High School Orchestra is under the direction of Dr. Beau Benson.