Chelsea A. Rush
Thursday, April 4, 2019 8:55 am

North Carolina's All-State Honor Band selections were recently announced. Rutherford County Schools (RCSNC) and Chase High School (CHS) are proud to congratulate euphonium player Kristen McBrayer on her selection to the band. McBrayer, a senior at CHS, is the first RCSNC student in over a decade to receive this honor.

Prior to competing at the state level, McBrayer auditioned alongside approximately 300 other musicians in western district level auditions. Twenty students auditioned at the district level for the four seats available for euphonium. McBrayer was named 1st chair among euphonium players in the western district, giving her the opportunity to audition at the state level. Approximately 260 total musicians auditioned for the 100 All-State Band seats. McBrayer was one of twelve who auditioned for the four euphonium seats available.

All-State Band selection is the highest honor in the state, according to CHS band director Michael Henderson. Of McBrayer's accomplishments, Henderson said, "Kristen is dedicated to her work in music. She is very motivated and focused to be a better player each day... Each year she has gotten closer and closer to achieving this All-State Honor, so I'm proud that she is getting to finish her senior year having reached this goal. Many students who make the All-State Band take private lessons weekly, but Kristen does not, so this speaks volumes for her dedication and talent."

Music has taken a key role in McBrayer's high school years. In addition to playing and competing with Chase High School's marching and concert bands, she spent the last three summers playing with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corp - a professional marching opportunity for which she has auditioned annually. Spirit of Atlanta has enabled her to tour the country and compete in the Drum Corp International circuit in a myriad of venues.