In a remarkable showcase of talent and dedication, seventeen student musicians from Park City have secured their places in the prestigious all-state bands for the 2023-2024 academic year. This achievement not only highlights the individual capabilities of these young artists but also underscores the strength of the Park City School District's music program, which has consistently produced outstanding musicians over the years. The selection process for the all-state bands, coordinated by the Utah Music Educators Association, is known for its rigor. Zachary Giddings, the director of bands for the Park City School District, explained that each student had to prepare a challenging etude—a short musical composition designed to showcase technical skill and musicality—along with a chromatic scale. "This etude is no small feat to learn," Giddings stated. "It tests not just a student’s technical performance abilities, but also their musicality." The annual auditions attract hundreds of talented young musicians from across the state, with the association selecting three all-state bands: one for junior high and two for high school. Each year, students undergo a competitive audition process where they are evaluated based on their unique talents, skills, and determination. Giddings emphasized the significant effort put forth by his students, noting that they not only practiced extensively but also sought feedback on their recordings to refine their performances. "The etudes that each student plays are much more difficult than the average piece of music that a band would play. These kids didn’t just prepare the etude; they were willing to send me recordings, ask for feedback, and do everything they could to apply that feedback," he said. This proactive approach illustrates the students' commitment to their craft and their desire to excel in a highly competitive environment. The Utah Music Educators Association aims to promote music as an essential component of a well-rounded education. Their initiatives include professional development conferences, state and all-state events, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy for music education. Giddings expressed pride in the accomplishments of his students, stating, "We are the 4A cluster with the highest percentage of students from grades six through 12 who made all-state. Every student who applied and auditioned is part of the secret sauce to our success. While I strongly believe this is the accomplishment of the individual kids, seeing so many names from our schools is a sign of the health of our music program." The following students from Park City earned their places in the all-state bands this year: **Junior High Band:** - Charlotte Provan, oboe - Erik Coleman, bassoon alternate - Oliver Bodnar, alto saxophone alternate - Callen Betker, baritone saxophone (Park City High School ninth grader) - Torin Devaney, trumpet - Ryder Thomas, trumpet - Shia Stern, trumpet - Trip Ochello III, French horn - Cloe Sato, French horn **High School Symphonic Band:** - Jake Michels, trumpet - Jose Becerra, trombone **High School Wind Symphony:** - Henry Nagel, clarinet - Megan Jensen, trumpet - Oskars Auzins, percussion - Kat Jones, percussion **High School Jazz Ensemble:** - Owen Smyth, lead tenor saxophone - Jem Woolley, guitar alternate The culmination of this year's efforts was showcased during performances held at Abravanel Hall on January 16 and 17. Giddings reflected on the event, stating, "The band members went above and beyond in how they prepared, and it really showed through the success of the presentations. I frequently tell people I feel so fortunate to work with the caliber of student that I do. The students who all qualified for all-state are not just wonderful student musicians; they are great humans!" This achievement not only serves as a milestone for the individual musicians but also reflects the nurturing environment and high standards of the Park City School District's music program. As these talented individuals continue to develop their skills, they contribute to a vibrant culture of music education that enriches the entire community. Their success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that define the Park City music scene, ensuring that it remains a beacon of artistic excellence in Utah.