2 'Dedicated, Hard-Working' Council Rock Seniors Performed In All-State Honors Ensembles

NEWTOWN, PA — Two seniors at Council Rock High School North reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve this year, when they earned places in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Festival music ensembles.

Trumpet player Carson Shaffer was named to the All-State Jazz Ensemble, while trombonist A.J. Fiore was named to the All-State Concert Band.

Both performed at the annual PMEA All-State Festival at the Kalahari Resort in The Poconos this past weekend.

Shaffer was one of only five trumpet players across the state chosen to perform in the All-State Jazz Ensemble. Fiore, meanwhile, was placed fourth overall among the trombone section in the All-State Concert Band. Both are members of the Council Rock North Marching Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band.

“Both Carson and A.J. are extremely dedicated, hard-working musicians, who are continually looking for ways to improve their musicianship,” noted Wayne Bishop, Director of Bands at Council Rock North. “It’s great to see their hard work and dedication recognized at the state level, and this promises to be an experience they will remember for a long time.”

Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area individually for a panel of judges. Those who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions.

The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.

“We commend the student musicians that are part of the 2022 PMEA All-State Festival,” the associations' president and retired music educator Phil Stattel said. “We know the past two years have been challenging for all students, and for these students to work through the challenges to perform at the highest level is to be celebrated.”

At the annual PMEA All-State Festival, nationally-recognized conductors direct the groups in rehearsals for two days, concluding with a performance.

More information about the prestigious event is available online.

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