In February, seniors Klair Julian, Nick Fearka, Luke Ethetton, Garrett Holland and junior Katie Evans will play in the all-state TMEA band convention in San Antonio, with Ethetton qualifying for a fourth consecutive year. After the 5A area competition on Jan. 7 and 8, judges chose these five as deserving to move on. Seniors Miroslava Medrano, Marcus Miller, Vinh Nguyen and freshman Austin Pursley earned spots as alternates, and will play if a spot becomes available at the state convention.

Katie Evans, who placed as third chair of six french horns, surprised herself by exceeding her expectations at the area competition.

“I did way better than I ever hoped or expected,” Evans said. “I was nervous at first, then after hearing myself and others I was anxious and excited because I felt like I did well and might have a chance.”

Fearka secured one of ten trumpet spots, after falling short at area last year. He attributes his success to his increased practice.

“My sound and style are better than last year,” Fearka said. “My playing ability has matured a lot.”

Senior Garett Holland placed first at district, region phase one, region phase two and area competitions. Judges chose him as one of only two horns who moved on to state.

“I feel it’s more competitive for 5A so I had to step up my game and practice more this year,” Holland said. “Since I’m a senior my motivation was to go out with a bang this year.”

Last year Holland placed fourth at his 4A area competition. He set his goal to first place this year and succeeded.

“Practicing everyday and being consistent with my playing wasn’t an easy thing to do, but my slogan was ‘Last year, last chance,’” Holland said. “When I saw that piece of paper that said Garrett Holland first place at all-state I knew that all the hard work and time spent practicing finally paid off.”

Holland practiced everyday to prepare for state, and said he wanted to go out with a bang his senior year.

“I remember last year telling myself back in early August that this was my year,” Holland said. “I didn’t care what I had to do to make it but I was determined to.”

Senior Stephanie Gaskin, who placed two chairs from an all-state qualification, faces disappointment with a light heart after having been cut in her final year.

“At first I was kind of mad but after I talked to my family I got over it,” Gaskin said. “I’m happy with the results and I wouldn’t change anything.”

Whereas the band members selected for state will play with an entire band when they go, choir members and juniors Emma Snow and Marcus Robinson will compete at their state competition, receiving their final placements afterward. Senior Meggie Lewellyn will go as an alternate, performing in the absence of another competitor.

“I’m pumped for going to midland,” Junior Emma Snow said. “I have been emersing myself in music [to prepare].”

Snow went to a choir camp at TCU over the summer, where she worked with composers of the music she sang.

“I wouldn’t have made it without that [camp],” Snow said. “Being in choir and show choir also helped.”

Junior Marcus Robinson makes history as the first male at Legacy to make all-state placing fourth at area and fifth at region.

“I’m excited because last year I was an alternate,” Robinson said. “It’s a hard process though.”

To prepare, Robinson sings three hours a day and drinks a lot of water. Robinson even got grounded for singing so much.

“I’m nervous because there are a lot of lads from schools that always make it,” Robinson said. “I’m afraid I’m going to mess up on the spot.”