USD 465 is proud to announce that two of its talented students, Quincee Jeffries and Paul Do, have achieved the distinguished honor of being selected for the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) All-State ensembles. Quincee Jeffries has earned a place in the All-State Strings Orchestra, while Paul Do has been selected for the All-State 1234A Band and named first chair tuba.
The selection process for these prestigious groups is highly competitive and represents one of the highest honors for high school musicians in Kansas. Students must first audition for district-level KMEA ensembles in November. Only those selected at the district level are eligible to audition for the coveted All-State groups. This rigorous process highlights not only exceptional musical talent but also months of disciplined preparation, dedication, and perseverance.
Taton Bennett, Band Director at Winfield High School, praised Paul’s accomplishment. “Paul is a wonderful student, musician, and leader in our band,” Bennett said. “The preparation process for the auditions takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It is already quite an accomplishment to be selected for your District band, which then qualifies you to audition for All-State. For Paul to not only be selected for the 1234A All-State Band, but to also be chosen as first chair tuba from among some of the best high school musicians in the state is a huge achievement. This is truly one of the highest honors you can achieve as a high school musician. We are so immensely proud of him and can't wait to see him represent Winfield High School at KMEA later this month!”
Quincee’s achievement is equally impressive. Orchestra Teacher Trisha Roudybush highlighted the dedication required to reach this level. “Quincee has been working very hard to prepare for this honor,” Roudybush said. “She takes private lessons from Robbie Banks and they began working the audition materials over the summer. She made the district orchestra in November which qualified her to audition for all state in January. The music is college level and highly challenging for students. I am extremely proud of her and look forward to seeing her perform at the end of February.”
During the annual KMEA Conference held in February, Quincee and Paul will join top student musicians from across Kansas to rehearse under the direction of esteemed conductors. The conference also provides professional development opportunities for music educators statewide, fostering collaboration and innovation in music education.
Participation in All-State ensembles not only recognizes students’ musical excellence but also opens doors to future opportunities, including scholarships and additional honors.
USD 465 congratulates Quincee Jeffries and Paul Do on their remarkable achievements and commends them for their dedication, discipline, and passion for music. Their accomplishments reflect positively on Winfield High School and the entire USD 465 community.