Students Earn Spots on All-State Band and Choir
January 12, 2010

	Aaron Evans		Lisa Malone

Aaron Evans, a senior clarinet player and drum major for the Greenville High School Lion Pride Band, on Saturday earned a spot on the University Interscholastic League's All-State Band.

Evans, the son of Michael and Jo Evans of Greenville, was one of two GHS band members to try out for the Class 4A band at auditions held at Tyler Junior College.  Lisa Malone, a senior flute player and also a drum major, was named an alternate.  Malone is the daughter of Myron and Bonita Malone.

Evans' route to the All-State Band began several weeks ago at All-Region competition, with 149 other clarinet players, 24 of which advanced to the Area meet.  Four were then selected to advance to state tryouts.

Evans earned first chair honors at Area competition.

Sophomore Hannah Himes and senior Peyton Patterson were named to All-State Choirs.

Himes was named to the All-State Womens Choir for the second straight year, while Patterson earned a berth on the All-State Mixed Choir.  It marked his third straight year to make an All-State Choir.

GHS Choir students are under the direction of Dr. William Witwer.  GHS Bands are under the direction of Kyle Treadwell, Richard Burt, Aubrey Williams and Jenny Bartley.

"I think sometimes, because we've had students do this before, people tend to underestimate what an honor this is and how special it is," said Witwer.  "Sometimes you can go your whole career without having a student make All-State and it's probably the same way with band.  All of these students work hard, but I can tell you that these three who made All-State today are relentless in their preparation.  They are continually working to get better."