PJC’s Justin Hughes named to All State Band

Published or Revised March 01, 2007

For the first time in more than 30 years, Paris Junior College has an All State Band student. Justin Hughes, a sophomore and graduate of North Lamar High School, was named recently to the All State Symphonic Band as a clarinet player. Hughes had opportunity to play under the direction of noted band clinician Dr. Barry Krause, assistant professor and associate director of bands at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The All State Symphonic Band spent three days in rehearsal at the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio Feb. 14-17 and performed in concert on Feb. 17 in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The band performed: "The Sunken Cathredal" by Debussy; "Marche Militaire Francaise" by Saint-Saens; "English Folk Song Suite" by Vaughan Williams; and "Circus Franticus" from Giroux. The 100-member Symphonic Band is comprised of students from 35 different community and junior colleges across the state. Hughes was encouraged to audition for this opportunity by his PJC clarinet adjunct instructor, Ben Fowzer. In the fall semester Hughes submitted a taped performance of several difficult clarinet etudes and studies. These were judged by a panel of directors, and winners were announced in late December. Once at the All State event, Justin had to audition on the prepared Symphonic Band music for chair placement in the band. Fowzer accompanied Hughes to the convention, assisted with chair auditions and participated in the community college band directors association meetings. Hughes and the seven All State Choir students from PJC also attended College Night at the San Antonio Convention Center where they were able to meet with representatives from 50 colleges and universities about scholarships and opportunities to continue their music education.