By Marin Murray.

Sophomore clarinet player Renee Barber performed with the 2024 Texas All-State 5A Symphonic Band on Feb. 10 in San Antonio after advancing through the area round of auditions in January. She also participated in a clinic leading up to the all-state performance.

“It was really big,” Renee said. “There was so much to take in, which was amazing. There were all kinds of clarinets. And also, you’re working with the best musicians and best conductors from around the world. So, that could be a once in a lifetime experience.”

The performance and all of the preceding auditions were held by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). Over 1,500 clarinets tried out for the band through the TMEA process, and Renee was one of 24 to be selected.

“It is a good opportunity for students to connect with one another, especially as they’re looking at what their future goals may be,” director of bands Amber Moore said. “So, it’s a really good opportunity for them to make those connections that are really important for their future.”

Renee and the other students that she met were able to bond over their experiences from the year-long audition process, which began back during the summer when they received their audition music.

“My favorite part was getting to meet all the different clarinets that also made all-state and getting to play with them,” Renee said. “Again, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. And, seeing all these different clarinets that were like me and went through the whole process that I did, who also have some of the same qualities that I did was cool.”

In addition to meeting some of the most talented high school band members from around the state, TMEA brought in clinicians and conductors from around the world to train the selected students.

“They start right at full tempo, and they expect a lot from you from day one,” Renne said. “They also don’t stop for you, because they know that you’re the best, so there is a lot to strive for in that.”

Despite the fact that she is a sophomore, she is already a section leader for the clarinet section in the band, something that is usually reserved for upperclassmen.

“But this year specifically, coming in as a sophomore, she took on a leadership role within our ensemble through the band leadership team,” Moore said. “She was also a featured soloist during marching season. So, we got to really push Renee and her musical ability but also her confidence in front of crowds all over west Texas.”

Renee hopes that through her leadership position, she will be able to help other students reach the same achievements that she has.

“My goal is to obviously keep having the leadership qualities to help the band and hopefully help others make all-state as well,” Renee said. “I want to try and make all-state for the next two years too.”

The last student to make the all-state band before her was another clarinet player six years ago. By being selected, Renee is continuing the tradition of clarinet excellence within the school’s own band.

“Because of her and her work ethic and everything tht she has done starting from middle school, she’s actually elevated our entire clarinet program on the north side, because everyone wanted to try to be like Renee,” Moore said.

As she continues her musical career, she hopes to continue to grow and help her fellow bandmates succeed, something that Moore already praises her highly for.

“She’s extremely supportive of everyone around her,” Moore said. “Our whole program is better, because she is willing to help by leading by example, instead of telling others the way that things should be done.”