13 Anthony High School band students qualify for Texas state solo contest

ANTHONY, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Thirteen Anthony High School band students have qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

The qualifiers represent 45% of the 2025-26 band, which totals 29 student musicians. The achievement also breaks last year’s record of 11 state qualifiers, according to the district.

Students earned their spots after competing in early February at the University Interscholastic League Region Solo and Ensemble Contest at Hanks High School.

Soloists performed a memorized piece, while wind soloists performed with a piano accompanist.

Anthony High School had seven soloists. Six earned a first division, and four qualified for state: Francisco Hernandez, first division tuba solo; Nick Ortiz, first division clarinet solo; Cesar Arreola, first division drum set solo; and Jacqueline Levario, first division marimba solo. Hernandez and Ortiz are sophomores, while Arreola and Levario are seniors.

Levario, a senior percussionist, advanced to state for the third time.

“This year I definitely put in the work for the solo that I chose. As a senior, this was my last year to perform and make it to state. I’m super happy to have made it the last three years. I’m so proud of everyone who made it and I am looking forward to the memories we’ll make at state,” Levario said.

Hernandez, a sophomore tuba soloist, is advancing to state for the first time. “Ever since I joined band, I’ve wanted to be the best player I could be and to me that meant competing and showcasing my skills. My first year I unfortunately did not advance to state, so having the opportunity to go further is amazing. Through hard work and dedication, I hope to grow and push myself further than I’ve ever been,” Hernandez said.

Two ensembles also earned a first division and advanced to state. The Saxophone Ensemble includes Giselle Castillo, 12; Emily Lara, 11; and Fernanda Sanchez, 11. The Percussion Ensemble includes Jacqueline Levario, 12; Cesar Arreola, 12; Alan Garcia, 12; Andrea Salazar-Renteria, 11; Montgomery Salas, nine; Maximus Richardson, nine; and two middle school students, Natalia Castillo, eight, and Aiden Fino, seven.

The 13 Anthony ISD students will travel to Austin for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest over the Memorial Day weekend.

The Anthony High School Band is directed by Janella Saad, who has led the program for the past seven years.

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