Seven Littlefield students competed in the ATSSB Area Competition in Levelland on Jan. 11, 2025.
The seven students were Zamya Darnell, Sophie Garcia, Bailee Griffin, Matthew Rios, Jimmy Ramos, Jordan Randle and Caleb Caudillo. Matthew Rios was selected to perform in the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) Texas All-State Band on Feb. 12th through 15th in San Antonio, Texas sponsored by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).
TMEA sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students’ dedication to their musical knowledge and skill and to encourage educators to support their students in this development. Each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region, according to TMEA’s website.
“I’m above and beyond proud, all three directors, because we know what it takes,” Littlefield Anderson said.
Matthew Rios is a junior who plays euphonium in the band and is a two-time ATSSB Texas All-State Band student.
“Last year, as a sophomore he practiced like he does now but had a different way of practicing,” Anderson said.
His preparation this year changed as Rios decided to start learning his audition music over the summer.
“By the time school started he could basically play it,” Anderson said.
She worked with Rios to better prepare him.
Being selected to perform with the All-State band can be special to students. An achievement like this can improve their chances of receiving scholarships especially if a student pursues a major in music.
Anderson says his achievements inspired his fellow band members.
“Before we went to the tryout we took him and the other students going to Area over to the junior high to play for some of our sixth-grade classes,” Anderson said. “My sixth graders asked me, ‘Well, how did he do?’” Questions like these left Anderson believing Rios made an impression on the younger band members.
“To me, it means they can see what kind of achievement can be made with practice,” Anderson said.
Rios is intelligent and loves all kinds of music. He’s got a sense of humor and all the kids love him, she said.
Students would listen to Rios practice and “try to copy some of the stuff he did.” Anderson saw this as a sign of respect from the students.
“I think that all the students look up to him,” Anderson said.
Now, Rios will prepare for the upcoming Texas All-State concert where he will be performing with the concert band. February 12 to the 15 will include tryouts on the first day with results and sectionals that night. Then practice all day on Thursday and Friday. All performances will be held on Saturday.