Tallapoosa County students are taking their talents to the state level.
A handful of local students were selected to participate in the District 6 Honor Band and are on their way to the 2025 Alabama All State Honor Band.
To be placed on the Alabama All State Honor Band, students had to be named one of the top players in the district. Once they were named a top player in the district, they submit an online audition to determine which chair they will be in for the All State Band.
Anna Michal McCaleb
Benjamin Russell High School senior Anna Michal McCaleb was selected to play as sixth chair in the high school All State Honor Band. McCaleb plays the trumpet in the Pride of Alexander City band. She first got her start in sixth grade when her mother encouraged her to try a new activity. Since then, her musical talents have brought several opportunities her way.
“I feel excited,” McCaleb said of performing in the All State Band. “I am glad I get to participate with top musicians from around the state.”
Additionally, McCaleb qualified to compete in the All State Solo festival. To do so, she will submit a video audition of herself performing a five minute solo piece.
McCaleb is no stranger to the All State Band. In 2023, she performed with the All State Band. This experience only compelled her to pursue more musical endeavors, such as the All State Orchestra.
McCaleb attributes her success to BRHS former band director Dale Bloodworth and assistant band directors Christian Reyes and Jarod Wheeler. McCaleb said their unwavering support has opened up a lot of opportunities for her.
After graduation, she wants to continue pursuing music in college; however, McCaleb hopes she can continue learning and growing her musical skills for the rest of her life.
Hamp Bowen
Horseshoe Bend School senior Hamp Bowen has been selected as first chair for District 6 Honor Band in euphonium and will be playing in the high school All State Honor Band. He first started band in sixth grade and has played trumpet, french horn and tenor saxophone in the past.
Bowen said he has always had a passion for music and from a young age knew he wanted to be in the band.
“I also enjoy it because of the friendship and the opportunities you get,” he said. “Every time you participate in the honor band you are guaranteed to make at least two or three new friends. Also not just for the state, there are other festivals all over the country and outside of the country. It opens up so many opportunities.”
Bowen will be going to University of Alabama to major in music education. He is working on auditions for the Million Dollar Band and will have his school of music audition for Feb. 22. Bowen said he ultimately wants to be a music educator.
Colby Brooks
Horseshoe Bend School eighth grader Brooks has been selected as fourth chair for District 6 Honor Band in trombone and will be playing in the middle school All State Honor Band. He just started band two years ago.
He said he has always been drawn to the sounds of music and enjoys using his talent to be a part of that himself. In the future, he hopes to attend University of Alabama and would like to pursue a career in astronomy.
Hunter Koubek
Reeltown High School seventh grader Koubek has been selected for District 6 Honor Band in trumpet and will be playing in the middle school All State Honor Band. He started band in sixth grade.
“(It’s great) being able to create music and change people’s views on it,” he said.
After high school, Koubek hopes to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in music education.
Jacob Fuller
Reeltown High School tenth grader Fuller has been selected for District 6 Honor Band in trumpet. He started band in fifth grade and while trumpet is his focus, he plays quite a few other instruments as well.
“I really enjoy playing instruments; it’s a fun thing to do,” Fuller said. “Also you are creating something. You are putting something out there people get to listen to for better or for worse.”
After high school, Fuller plans to join the Navy and get his degree at Auburn University in aerospace engineering.
The District 6 Honor Band performed Feb. 14-15 at Auburn Junior High School and the All State Honor Band will be April 10-12 at the Mobile Convention Center.
