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New Braunfels ISD Fine Arts is proud to announce that six student musicians have earned selection to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State ensembles, marking the district’s highest number of All-State musicians since 2004.
“This is an incredible accomplishment for our students and our music programs,” said Dr. Marty Lenard, NBISD Director of Fine Arts. “These students put in countless hours into their craft, and we can’t be more proud of them.”
The six All-State musicians represent both New Braunfels High School and Long Creek High School, including a historic milestone for Long Creek High School’s Dragons, who are celebrating their first-ever All-State performers.
After advancing through district, region, area, and state auditions against thousands of top musicians statewide, earning a place in a TMEA All-State ensemble is considered one of the highest honors for student musicians in Texas.
New Braunfels High School Choir
Thomas Pickett, a senior member of the New Braunfels High School Choir, earned a coveted 1st Chair position in the TMEA All-State Mixed Choir, one of the highest distinctions a Texas high school singer can achieve. This marks the third consecutive year Pickett has received All-State recognition.
“Achieving 1st Chair at the state level is a rare distinction that underscores Thomas’s exceptional musicianship and dedication,” said NBHS Choir Director Mario Contreras. “This is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for our program.”
Pickett will perform at 5:30 p.m. on February 14 at the Henry B. González Convention Center as part of the 2026 TMEA Clinic/Convention.
Long Creek High School Choir
Sophomore Bethany Martin and junior Camryn Spencer were selected for membership in the Texas All-State Small School Mixed Choir, earning one of the highest honors for high school vocalists in the state. Their selection marks a historic first for Long Creek High School, as Martin and Spencer are the campus’s first All-State Choir members. Martin earned 2nd Chair Alto, while Spencer was named 4th Chair Soprano.
“To be named to the All-State Choir is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Caitlyn Gallegos, Long Creek High School Choir Director. “This achievement places Bethany and Camryn among the top two percent of students who began the audition process in September, and it speaks to their talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see Long Creek represented on the state stage for the very first time.”
Martin and Spencer will perform with the small school mixed choir at 12:30 p.m. on February 14 at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
New Braunfels High School Band
Three New Braunfels High School students earned the prestigious honor of being named to the TMEA All-State Band following a highly competitive audition process. Senior Luke Dolch was selected on 5A Bassoon, junior Maliya Kilbride earned a spot on 5A EB Clarinet and achieved 2nd Chair in the state, and senior Dylan Hernandez was named to the 6A Horn ensemble.
These outstanding student musicians will represent New Braunfels ISD on the state stage and can be seen performing in concert at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio on February 14. The Mighty Unicorn Band is under the direction of Felicia Garza.
About TMEA
Directed by nationally recognized conductors, All-State students participate in four days of rehearsals during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close. Performance and conductor information is available in the Performances section of www.tmea.org/convention.
Founded in 1920, the Texas Music Educators Association supports music education for all Texas students. With more than 20,400 members, including 14,100 school music educators, TMEA advocates for fine arts instruction and provides professional development through online learning and its annual Clinic/Convention. The association also offers scholarships and programs for high school and college students pursuing careers in music education.
