SMHS students advance in TMEA competition

Four San Marcos High School students have advanced in the state-wide Texas Music Educators Association competition.  Chloe Espinoza, Joaquin Garza, Dennis Gutierrez and Rachel Heiser, all members of the SMHS Varsity Chamber Ensemble, will perform with the State Music Ensemble at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Feb. 16 in San Antonio. 

The students competed through auditions to qualify at the state level. More than 72,900 students began the competitions hosted by 33 TMEA regions and 1,780 are selected to perform, approximately 2.4 percent of those who begin the process.

All four SMHS students participate in the school’s choir program under the direction of Dawn Sheridan-Reinhuber and Brigitte Smith, both members of TMEA. They are also under the tutelage of private voice instructor Mackenize Powell. This is the first time Espinoza and Gutierrez have performed, while it is the second year for Garza and Heiser. Espinoza is the daughter of Gina Hernandez, Garza the son of Alfred and Joanna Garza, Gutierrez is the son of Dennis and Sharla Gutierrez and Heiser is the daughter of Billy and Roxi Heiser. 

In addition to performing, the students will participate in three days of rehearsal. More than 29,000 people are expected to attend the convention. For more, visit TMEA's website.