Press release submitted by Zach Birdsong, communications specialist
JUST BEFORE winter break, the Tullahoma band programs announced that four students received All-State selections, and a total of 43 students were named Mid-State Honor Band members.
“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Johnathan Johnson, TCS Assistant Director of Bands. “Auditioning for Mid-State is not a requirement of the band program, but each year, many of our students in grades 7–12 step up to the challenge. Tullahoma band students auditioned alongside roughly 4,000 students from across Middle Tennessee over the course of three weekends in November and December. This year, we sent 106 students to auditions and were thrilled to have 43 students selected. Tullahoma has a long history of strong representation in the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA) ensembles, and this year is no exception. Four students earned AllState honors, with an additional three named first alternates. Tullahoma is also among the top three most represented schools in Middle Tennessee for both the ninth–10th and 11th–12th grade divisions this year.”
Jonas Carter, Haidan Curry, Ella Farmer, and Jonah Vallejos were all named to the Tennessee Music Education Association All-State Band. These four students will perform during the TMEA All-State Concert on April 11 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
In addition to his performance honors, Jonah Vallejos was recently named the Tennessee State Winner in Class IV for the 2026 National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Composers Awards. His original composition earned recognition from the Tennessee Federation of Music Clubs for its creativity and craftsmanship and will advance for further recognition at the state level.
Jonas Carter was the lone TCS student selected to the 11th- and 12th-grade MTSBOA Orchestra. Will Childers, Jonah Dorman, and Cayden Jernigan were all chosen to the MTSBOA High School Silver Jazz Band.
Tullahoma had 39 students named to the MTSBOA Gold Band or Silver Band, or they were selected as alternates to one of the ensembles.
“This level of representation speaks volumes about the work ethic, dedication, and culture of excellence within the band program,” Johnson said. “The audition process itself is incredibly valuable; it makes students more intentional musicians, and that growth has a positive, contagious effect on the entire ensemble.”
Naziya Warden, Will Childers, Jonas Carter, Haidan Curry, Jonah Vallejos, and Ella Farmer were named to the MTSBOA 11th- and 12th-Grade Gold Band. Ben Bradford, Alexander Cook, Jonah Dorman, Connor Shasteen, and Joaquin Tenaglia Canut were selected to the MTSBOA 11th- and 12th-Grade Silver Band. Aslynn Bradley, Jenna Gill, Wesley Hanson, Evie Hatmaker, Edward Henry, and Richard Thomasson were chosen as MTSBOA 11th- and 12th Grade Alternates.
Lexi Brown, Matthew Carter, William Dawe, Javier Fletcher, Jack Harris, Cayden Jernigan, and Aiden McTier were all named to the MTSBOA 9th- and 10th-Grade Gold Band. Aiyanna Dale, Timothy Hanson, Wen Ni Lin, Abdi Regaa, Scout Wiggs, and Presley Williamson were selected to the MTSBOA 9th- and 10th-Grade Silver Band. Kaylee Casselman, Hannah Eakin, Will Harrison, Samuel Howard, Alisson Milhahn, and Deja Robinson were chosen as MTSBOA 9th- and 10th-Grade Alternates.
Isla Bradford was named to the MTSBOA 7th- and 8th-Grade Gold Band, while Isla Carlton was selected to the MTSBOA 7th- and 8th-Grade Silver Band. Henry Morgan was chosen as an MTSBOA 7th- and 8th-Grade Alternate.
“Our band programs are renowned throughout the state because of exceptional students and directors. Results like these solidify the excellence that is a part of our band programs across the district,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “I want to congratulate these students, their directors and their families on these amazing achievements.” GN
