During the 2017-18 school year, talented music students across the United States and overseas in military base schools practiced diligently to gain a chair or part in their local, district, and state music honor ensembles. And of those most elite high school musicians who were accepted to their district or All-State music ensembles, 550 of them—the “best of the best”—were selected for the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) 2018 All-National Honor Ensembles. In that number are Collierville High School students Anna Hudson and Isaiah Robertson, who both earned chairs in the All-National Concert Band. Students selected for the All-National Honor Ensembles rehearsed a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the baton of five of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Todd Stoll (Jazz Ensemble); Dr. Amanda Quist (Mixed Choir); Dr. Michael Quantz (Guitar Ensemble); Dr. Jean Montès (Symphony Orchestra); and Dennis Glocke (Concert Band). All conductors have received top honors in their field and spent several days rehearsing with students before the concert. On November 25-28, 2018, the 2018 All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) performed at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in the ballroom at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Anna Hudson is currently a junior at Collierville High School and plays Horn. She has studied music for six years. In addition to instruction received at school, Anna studies Horn under Dr. Ellen Manthe. Anna is a member of the Pride of Collierville Dragon Band, the Collierville High School Wind Symphony, GPAC Youth Symphony Orchestra, WTSBOA All-West Honor Band, TMEA All-State Honor Band, and she is treasurer for Tri-M Music Honor Society. In 2019, Anna has earned chairs in the WTSBOA All-West Honor Orchestra and TMEA All-State Honor Orchestra. When she’s not playing in her own chamber groups, she enjoys teaching horn lessons and mentoring younger players. Outside of the music room, Anna is a captain of CHS Science Olympiad, a member of Wordsmith Writing Olympics and Technology Student Association, and a CHS Freshman Mentor. Isaiah Robertson is currently a junior at Collierville High School, and plays Euphonium. He has studied music for six years. In addition to instruction received at school, Isaiah studies Euphonium under Geoff Durbin. Isaiah is a member of the Pride of Collierville Dragon Band, the Collierville High School Wind Symphony, WTSBOA All-West Honor Band, and TMEA All-State Honor Band. In 2019, Isaiah has auditioned and placed in the WTSBOA All-West Honor Band. Isaiah hopes to major in music once he graduates Collierville in 2020. Outside of school, Isaiah enjoys going to movies, playing video games and inspiring others to become better musicians. The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represent the top performing high school musicians in the United States. More than a musical showcase, the ANHE program is a comprehensive and educational experience. Names, schools and states, as well as music directors, of the 550 2018 All-National Honor Ensemble students are available on the ANHE website: nafme.org.
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