Students from Owensboro and Daviess County Public Schools, as well as Owensboro Catholic High School, earned statewide recognition after being selected to perform in Kentucky Music Educators Association All-State ensembles. They recently represented the region at the KMEA All-State Conference at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in Louisville.
Ten students from Owensboro Public Schools and 40 from Daviess County Public Schools were selected for All-State across multiple ensembles. (The full list for those districts can be seen below). Owensboro Catholic Schools was represented by high school student Elijah Ford, who made All-State Band for the second consecutive year.
Students were selected through a highly competitive audition process, earning spots among hundreds of musicians from across the Commonwealth. Performers rehearsed intensively during the week of the conference before presenting concerts in band, orchestra, choir, and jazz ensembles.
Jason Smith, fine arts director for Daviess County Public Schools, said the recognition reflects the daily commitment of both students and educators.
“I’m just really proud of all the hard work that our students and our teachers put in every day,” Smith said. “You don’t make it to that level just by showing up occasionally.”
In addition to student achievements, DCPS educators and supporters were recognized at the district level during the conference. Hannah Corbett of Deer Park Elementary was named Second District Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Nate Clark, band director at Daviess County High School, received Second District High School Teacher of the Year honors. Anna Sparks was also recognized with a Citation of Service for her continued support of music programs across the district.
Smith said the All-State experience offers more than performance opportunities.
“There will be kids that have performed in these groups that will make friendships that will last a very long time,” he said. “They’re playing with the best of the best from across the state.”
Kara Smith, fine and performing arts coordinator for Owensboro Public Schools, said students began preparing months in advance and often had only hours or days to master full programs once rehearsals began at the conference.
“Our students went through a very rigorous audition process,” she said. “They audition for a very select number of spots against hundreds of students from across Kentucky.”
OPS students performed throughout the week in children’s chorus, junior high and high school choir, concert band and jazz band ensembles, including a highly selective jazz band spot with only one musician chosen per instrument statewide.
Smith said students also benefited from working with nationally recognized conductors and clinicians.
“They get to go and be with these master teachers and master clinicians,” she said. “They get so much out of the experience.”
Both districts emphasized the role of local music educators in preparing students to compete at the state level, calling the All-State selections a testament to the strength of fine arts programs throughout the Owensboro area.
The conference performances took place at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, home to the Louisville Orchestra and major touring productions, providing students with what administrators described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
