Sophomore Michael Loudermilk &

          Senior Cody Ackors

Texas’ Best

3 achieve all-state status

By Amanda Anderson

As All-State Band and Choir members, three students are now rehearsing to perform in San Antonio, Feb. 13.

Senior James McMeans is an All-State Choir member, while senior Cody Ackors and sophomore Michael Loudermilk are in all-state bands. They performed at the Texas Music Educators (TMEA) Convention in San Antonio last week.

After learning he made the Texas All-State Choir, James said he didn’t know how to react.

“I actually thought I would start crying,” James said. “But all I did was put my head in my hands and smile.”

The Texas All-State Choir consists of the top 180 high school singers in Texas. Thousands of singers audition within a four-month period, participating in three different levels of competition.

“I practice one hour a day, and every time I’m in my car, I listen to the recording of the songs I’ll be performing,” James said. “I do my best to keep my voice in the best condition possible.” 

Cody also is preparing for the TMEA Convention, but he’s practicing to perform with the All-State Jazz Band.

“I practice a ridiculous amount of hours,” he said. “I also take private lessons from college students and professors.”

Michael is a member of the All-State Band.

“I was really excited,” he said, “and I felt accomplished.”

As a senior, Cody said making the band was an important achievement, but music isn’t all about winning competitions.

“I like being able to express myself without using words,” he said.

James said his family is “very musical,” but music means more than just being a part of “family tradition.”

“I see music as a way to connect within myself,” he said.

Michael said he likes the “artistic and technical aspects of music.”

The TMEA Convention won’t be the end of Cody’s musical career.

“Music absolutely has a place in my future,” he said. “I’m hoping to get master’s and doctorate degrees in music.”