By Peyton Jackson, Graphic by Aiden Lyell
Many Eldorado students are preparing for Jazz All-State this week. Jazz All-State is an opportunity for some of the most talented students to play together as one.
Performances will happen this coming weekend at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico.
“It consists of some of the most talented musicians in the state,” said Ryan C. Dencklau, a senior at Eldorado.
In order to be able to play at All-State students first had to go through a difficult audition process.
“There were two different pieces … you had to play both of those, and there was a solo, an improvised solo, and there was also a piece you learned by ear,” said sophomore Alex Mamaluy.
Of the 200 students who auditioned for a spot in All-State, only 54 made it in. Of those 54, 19 are from Eldorado.
“Our band program has very strong musicians that are dedicated to being as good as they can be on their instrument,” said Eldorado Band Director, Brad Dubbs.
Before performances happen this Sunday, the selected students will have a two day practice period. They plan to arrive in Portales on Friday. In the meantime students are working hard to prepare.
“They gave us music a few months ago that we’ll be playing over the weekend, so I’ve just been running through it, doing extra listening to professional recordings, just making sure that I have a good understanding of the music,” said Dencklau.