Two LFECHS Students Qualify for All-State Band

Updated: January 17, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

Jaciel Trejo and Nathan Gilchrist recently had the honor of competing in area band auditions, qualifying for the All-State Band. Jaciel was selected for the All-State Jazz Band in 2024 as a baritone saxophonist and for the All-State Band as a tenor saxophonist. As a soloist, he also received a Division 1 rating at the UIL Texas Solo and Ensemble Contest in 2024. Jaciel has been a member of the honor band twice, performing on baritone sax in 2025 and on tenor sax in 2025. He developed an interest in playing the saxophone because he loved the sound, and his mother had played the saxophone during her school years. Jaciel plans to pursue his music career at either the University of Texas at Austin or the University of North Texas.

Nathan Gilchrist has been passionate about advancing beyond the All-Region Band during his high school years, and this is his first year in the All-State Band. He recalls being inspired in 6th grade when he heard his now-retired band director, Mr. Benitez, say, “The trombone is the instrument of the gods.” Mr. Benitez taught Nathan how to play the trombone, and the phrase motivated him to live up to that standard. Nathan has previously made the All-Region Band, received a Division 1 rating on a Class 3 solo for Solo and Ensemble in his sophomore year, and advanced to area for All-Region Jazz. He plans to continue his music career at the University of North Texas.

The Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) is a musical organization that promotes small school bands in Texas. ATSSB’s mission is to serve and support small school band students, parents, administrators, and directors. Founded in 1991, the organization is open to all band directors and high schools classified as Class 4A and below. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the ATSSB meets twice yearly in a General Session, once in February and once in July. The ATSSB All-State Bands perform and rehearse in San Antonio in February, hosting auditions to select two high school All-State Bands and a Jazz Band each year. The ATSSB All-State Bands will perform in San Antonio on February 15, 2025.

Best of luck to Jaciel Trejo and Nathan Gilchrist as they embark on this prestigious event to represent the community of La Feria!

Photo from the La Feria ISD Facebook Page

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