Two tapped for All-State-Band

RITZVILLE — Two local students have been named to the All-State Band.

Amy Anderson and Alexis Melcher were selected to participate in one of the Washington Music Educators Association’s All-State performing groups this year, school officials said.

Both Anderson and Melcher will be participating in the wind symphony group when the all-state bands, orchestras, choirs and Percussion Ensemble meet Feb. 12-16 in Yakima. Anderson plays the clarinet; Melcher is a percussionist.

All-State musicians were selected through auditions. Of the 2,174 students who applied, 1,038 were selected to rehearse and perform in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors, officials said.

“Many professional musicians credit their All-State experience as crucial in their decision to choose music as a career,” the association said in a news release. “Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them.”