From Desert Sands to Center Stage
Big applause for our incredible student musicians who recently took Southern California by storm at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Professional Development Conference, held January 30-February 1 at the Riverside Convention Center!
This annual celebration of music education showcases Honor Concerts featuring more than 900 of Southern California’s top student performers and this year, DSUSD proudly had students selected for some of the most competitive ensembles in the region.
Meet Our Music Stars
Josiah Villa (Palm Desert High School) earned a coveted spot in the California All-State Concert Band after auditioning against hundreds of students statewide. He performed in Sacramento on January 18 under the direction of Angela Woo, a huge achievement that reflects his dedication and talent.
(pictured with PDHS Teacher Norbert "Guy" Lake)
Jude Shields (Palm Desert High School) was selected for the All-Southern High School Jazz Band, landing one of just two alto saxophone seats from a massive regional audition pool stretching from San Diego to Santa Barbara counties. Jude shined as lead alto saxophone with the SCSBOA Jazz Ambassadors, conducted by Craig Skeffington.
(pictured with PDHS Teacher Norbert "Guy" Lake)
Chris Huang-Tseng (Palm Desert Charter Middle School) also beat tough odds to join the All-Southern Middle School Jazz Band, performing as second alto saxophone with the Junior High Honor Band under Curtis Gaesser.
(pictured with PDCMS Teacher Israel "Anthony" Huerta)
Antonio Ceja-Aguilar (Desert Ridge Academy) earned one of only eight trombone positions in the SCSBOA Middle School Symphonic Band, performing Sunday under the baton of Jeanne Christensen.
Shout-out to our DSUSD middle school band directors (pictured with Antonio) David Lopez (CMPMS), Nicholas Delgado (DRA), and Alex Bautista (IMS) for guiding and inspiring our students.
Dr. Michael Fleischmann, DSUSD Project Facilitator for Visual and Performing Arts, shared, “It is truly an incredible honor for all students chosen to be part of these elite ensembles. Each year, thousands of students audition for these spots. For those who earn their places, acceptance signifies their dedication, skill, tenacity, and artistry… I am proud to see DSUSD represented among the best of California.”