All-state musicians selected once again from SMHS
It’s one thing to be recognized as a team captain, a class MVP (Most Valuable Player) or an all-conference competitor, but to be recognized as an all-stater is another level.
Each year, hundreds of the absolute very best music students from across the State of Minnesota audition for an opportunity to be named to one of the MMEA (Minnesota Music Educators Association) All-State ensembles.
The audition is “blind,” which means the judges know nothing of the candidate other than the instrument, or voice part, for which they are auditioning. And unlike most high school activities, there is also no differentiation amongst school sizes - all students from every size school are competing for the same spots.
However, in cases where scores are even and a tie-breaker is needed, students from schools without representation are given preferential treatment.
Staples, Motley and Staples Motley High Schools have been represented by at least one all-stater in 42 of the last 47 years. Since 2002, SMHS has been represented by 68 all-state participants.
For 2016 - 17, SMHS students Cade Bestland (choir), Nick Crist (orchestra); and Noah Han (choir) have been selected as all-staters. Brian Sterriker (band) and Zach Strickland (choir) have been chosen as alternates.
