Last fall many talented players in both band and orchestra became All State Musicians.

It is a great accomplishment for many students, but it takes a lot of time and practice to get to that level.

“ Less than one percent of the kids in band across the state of Texas actually make it to that level and it’s a tremendous achievement,” said band director Jason Prasifka.

Through the help of Mr. Prasifka several students were able to reach this level and go away with the knowledge of several life long lessons.

“ He’s definitely taught me that in order to become a better musician that I have to push myself, and although I’ll have difficulties with a lot of things, to always strive to become a better musician than I am already,” said senior John Shaw a bassoon player.

Shaw took this lesson to heart when it came to preparing for the competition by looking for professional help.

“ I prepared by going through a lot of private lessons with different bassoon instructors. A lot of bassoon professors that I know some major ones including the bassoon professor from the University of Texas and [Baylor University]… I did a lot of individual practice as well as help from my peers and my band director,” said Shaw.

“Mr. Bianchetta (his lessons teacher) helped me just become a better musician and play my instrument better,” said junior Devon Callen a trombone player.

Even though Shaw and Callen sought professional help they both still believe that Mr. Prasifka had a huge impact on their success.

“ Every teacher hopes that they have a significant impact on their students, that’s what we try to do everyday. It’s hard to know for sure, it’s hard to measure that sort of thing. I think a student’s progress is probably a mixture of what we can help them with, what they’re willing to do on their own in terms of their work and effort and desire and the support they get at home from their parents,” said Prasifka.

Mr. Prasifka believes that his students have also impacted him the same way he has impacted them.

“ It’s one of the great privileges of my life. I tell people all the time that it’s hard for me to think that anybody loves their job more than me and a huge part of that is because of the kind of students that I get to teach everyday so it’s  a tremendous honor to be their teacher.”