Klein ISD Students Earn TMEA All-State Honors, Continuing District’s Tradition of Fine Arts Excellence
For families across Klein ISD, the fine arts are more than extracurricular activities — they are a source of discipline, opportunity, scholarship pathways, and community pride. This month, that pride was on full display as twelve students were recognized at the February 16, 2026 Klein ISD Board of Trustees meeting for earning Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State honors.
Being named to a TMEA All-State ensemble is widely considered one of the highest honors a Texas high school musician can achieve. More than 70,000 students across the state begin the audition process each year, competing through District, Region, and Area rounds. Only a small percentage advance to perform in one of the elite TMEA All-State ensembles, which include choir, band, orchestra, and mariachi.
For Klein ISD, the recognition affirms the district’s continued strength in fine arts education — and reinforces why robust arts programming matters to students, families, and the broader community.
What Is TMEA All-State and Why It Matters
The Texas Music Educators Association All-State process is known statewide for its rigor. Students prepare advanced audition music, often dedicating months of focused practice outside of regular class time. After advancing through multiple competitive rounds, finalists are selected to perform in All-State ensembles during the annual TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio — one of the largest music education conventions in the nation.
For students, All-State recognition can:
- Strengthen college applications and scholarship opportunities
- Provide statewide performance experience with elite conductors
- Signal advanced musical proficiency
- Open doors to future music and arts careers
For a school district, consistent All-State representation reflects the quality of instruction, program depth, and community support behind the scenes.
As Klein ISD Director of Fine Arts Frank Chuter shared during the recognition, “Klein ISD has a storied history of music students making TMEA All-State Ensembles, and we are thrilled that once again that history continues with 12 students representing all music disciplines and all five high schools. We are thankful to have teachers who guide our students to success.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Representing All Five Klein ISD High Schools
This year’s honorees span all five comprehensive Klein ISD high schools and multiple music disciplines, underscoring district-wide excellence.
Klein High School
- Leyla Petrovic — Choir
- Directors: Sean Stultz, Rebecca Berger
- Evan Gonzales — Band (2nd consecutive year)
- Directors: Matt Fehl, Stephen Jones, Yajayra Soria
Klein Forest High School
- Jmichael Aguilar — Band
- Carter Jian Wei — Band
- Directors: Jesse Espinosa, Austin Brown, Harlow Exley
Klein Oak High School
- Nicholas Hartmann — Band (3rd consecutive year)
- Nicolas Mendoza — Band
- Directors: David McGrath, Kelsey Blanscet, Jesus Burciaga
Klein Collins High School
- Isaak Matovich — Mariachi
- Directors: Carlos Lara, Erin Lara
Klein Cain High School
- Simon Anselmi — Choir
- Eden Jones — Choir (2nd consecutive year)
- Directors: Austin Dean, Sydney Shell
- Ryan Kang — Band
- Directors: Christopher Rapacki, Corey Fair, Ryan Lancaster
- Abin George — Orchestra
- Chris Hao — Orchestra
- Directors: Sunda Mohi, Hanson Yong
Notably, several students earned All-State recognition for consecutive years, a testament to sustained excellence and commitment.
A Reflection of Klein ISD’s Investment in Fine Arts
For Klein ISD residents — whether or not they have children currently enrolled — accomplishments like these represent more than individual milestones. Strong fine arts programs are often linked to increased student engagement, academic achievement, and community culture. In a competitive suburban district like Klein ISD, arts programming also contributes to the district’s reputation, which can influence property values and attract families seeking well-rounded educational opportunities.
Board recognitions such as this one serve as a reminder that music education in Klein ISD spans choir, band, orchestra, and mariachi — reflecting both tradition and cultural breadth.
Behind each student’s name is a network of directors, private lesson teachers, campus administrators, and families who invested time, energy, and encouragement throughout the demanding audition season.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
What Happens Next for TMEA All-State Students
Students selected for TMEA All-State ensembles will perform in San Antonio at the 2026 TMEA Clinic and Convention, where they will rehearse under distinguished conductors and present public performances alongside the top high school musicians in Texas.
For many, the experience becomes a defining moment in their high school career.
For Klein ISD, it marks another chapter in a longstanding tradition of fine arts excellence — one that continues to shape confident, disciplined, and accomplished students across the district.
Residents can stay informed about student achievements, district updates, and community milestones by following future coverage from My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.