Clarinet player earns spot in all-state band

Senior Celestia Wilkey will perform as a member of the Small School All-State Band in San Antonio during the Texas Music Educators Association convention Feb. 15-17.

Wilkey is excited to finally reach this pinnacle.

“I am just looking for a group of people I can play with and learn something from,” Wilkey said, “As far as the band goes, we are on a similar level, and hopefully we will play some more advanced music.”

This year, Wilkey did not stress over her music, as she had in the years before.

“I kind of did what I did every other year, but I put more time into the dynamics.” Wilkey said, “I focused less on being strict about it and didn’t force it. I’m just having fun with it.”

Over time, Wilkey has found that performing for others helps her build confidence.

“Playing in front of people definitely helps get over the nerves,” Wilkey said. “Not all of the nerves but some.”

It was simple for assistant band Director Lyndsey Dean to help Wilkey out.

“Celestia has always been a great player, so it was just making sure she hears what she is actually playing and not what she wants to hear,” Dean said. “I just gave her a few musical options and let her decide how she wanted to execute the music and make it sound.”