Five VISTA Band Members Accepted to All-State Program

Five VISTA Band members have been selected to participate in the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) All-State Program. The VISTA Band is a combined academic offering of the and . 

The VISTA Band Members selected include:

Brock Carlson, Saint Thomas Academy '14, Lake Elmo (alto saxophone)

Walker Lee, Saint Thomas Academy '14, St. Paul (percussion)

Tom Kane, Saint Thomas Academy '14, Eagan (French horn)

Grace Hyland, Visitation ’14, St. Paul (Flute)

Aisling O'Sullivan, Visitation ’14, Shoreview (French horn)

“For any band program to place this many students into the all state program is special,” said John Bina, VISTA band director. “When you place this accomplishment in the context of a program of our small size, it is truly a remarkable achievement.” The VISTA Band has 71 total members from both Visitation and the Academy.

The MMEA All-State program is an intensive musical program for the best musicians in Minnesota's high schools. It gives students the opportunity to prepare a formal audition, with live auditions taking place each March  throughout the state. Over 2,000 students audition for the All-State performing groups: bands, choir, orchestra and jazz ensemble.

After auditions, the selection committee makes final decisions to pick the more than 575 students who will participate in the All-State summer camp experience. The summer camps are held at colleges and universities throughout Minnesota, offering a wide variety of learning experiences for the students. Students also participate in Orchestra Hall concerts the following February in conjunction with MMEA’s professional development conference.