More Wheeling Band Students Make All-State Than Ever Before

"I'm thrilled," said Mr. Malek, band director at Wheeling High School. "This is an opportunity that you would like to have as many students as possible get a chance to participate in."

For Illinois All-State selection, students are chosen based on their rank among auditionees from each of the nine state-wide districts.

"Only the top of the top make All-State," Malek said. "Selection usually only goes to first-chair players or several players from commonly played instruments from each district band."

Wheeling High School had 13 students make District 7 band back in November, and eight of those 13 will be going to All-State on January 25-28.

"Having 13 students make District 7 was the most out of any school in our district, and I would have to imagine eight students going down to All-State from Wheeling Band is the most out of any school as well. It's a special program and the students set the tone. The band is stacked with hard-working students that take what they do seriously."

Making All-State from Wheeling High School for the 2016-2017 school year was Daniel Lopez-flute, Nik Buzinskis-clarinet, Liset Garcia-clarinet, Jackson Kaprak-alto sax, Vijay Nellutla-tenor sax, Michael Freeman-trumpet, and Lia DeCoursey-french horn. Also making All-State for jazz band was Sean Ryan-bass trombone. Emily Wachter-bass and Gillian Garnowski-soprano will also represent the Wheeling Orchestra and Choir programs at All-State. Gillian and Emily are both part of Wheeling's band program, as well.