"Eden Prairie's Musical Stars Earn Prestigious All-State Honors"

All-State Band

Kotono Kazama, a talented 11th grader, showcased her skills on the trumpet. Her precise notes and confident performance truly stood out. Arya Mehta, a 12th grader, demonstrated exceptional talent on the bass clarinet, adding depth and richness to the band. Annika Rice, also a 11th grader, blew the audience away with her trumpet playing, showing great control and emotion.

The hard work and dedication these students put in is truly remarkable. They have spent countless hours practicing and perfecting their skills to reach this level of excellence.

All-State Choir

Abi Swanson, a 12th grader and soprano, had a magical voice that filled the concert hall. Her ability to hit high notes with ease and convey the emotions of the music was truly captivating. The choir members worked together seamlessly, creating a harmonious sound that was a pleasure to listen to.

Through their participation in the All-State Choir, these students have grown both as musicians and as individuals. They have learned the importance of teamwork and dedication.

All-State Orchestra

Claire Lee, a 11th grader on the violin, played with such grace and precision. Her fingers danced across the strings, creating beautiful melodies. Alexandra Wahl, a 12th grader on the bass, provided a solid foundation for the orchestra. Her deep and rich tones added depth to the music.

Arun Wahlquist, another 12th grader on the cello, brought a sense of warmth and emotion to the orchestra. His playing was full of expression and added a special touch to the performances.

These students attended week-long All-State music camps last summer, where they honed their skills with guest conductors and created music with other talented student musicians. The camps were a great opportunity for them to grow and learn.

The All-State groups will perform again on Feb. 14 and 15 at Minnesota Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis as part of the MMEA Midwinter Convention. This is a great honor for these students and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

All-State requires a rigorous audition and application process, but these students were up to the challenge. They showed great determination and perseverance in their pursuit of musical excellence.

Junior Annika Rice said that despite the difficulty of the audition process, she applied for All-State because she wanted the opportunity to play with other students who were also passionate about music. Her hard work paid off, and she is now a part of the All-State ensemble.

Seniors Abi Swanson and Arya Mehta also shared their experiences. Abi Swanson said she enjoyed spending a week with other student musicians and performing together. Arya Mehta encouraged other student musicians to not be afraid to try for All-State auditions. "Just because it's a challenge doesn't mean you can't do it. And if you put in the work, it's so rewarding to be able to play at that level."

Kotono Kazama, a junior trumpet player, had the opportunity to work with Henry Dorn, a professional musician. She said it was interesting to hear his vision for the music and bring it to life. Senior Arun Wahlquist also worked with a guest conductor and played a variety of pieces, including "Jupiter" and "The Montgomery Variations."

These students have set an example for other student musicians, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their achievements are a source of pride for Eden Prairie High School and the local community.