2 Central High School Students Named All-State in Band, Choir

SAN ANGELO, TX — Central High School has two students who have reached the top level a high school musician can achieve through the Texas Music Educators Association by earning all-state honors in band and choir. 

Junior Ian Caraballo-Pagan, who plays the clarinet, was named to the 6A All-State Symphonic Band for the second time.

Freshman Dylan Ochoa, who sings tenor for the choir, was named to the All-State Large School Mixed Choir Team.

Central High School Director of Bands Daniel Villanueva spoke about Caraballo-Pagan’s accomplishment.

“Ian is a junior clarinetist and drum major for the Central High School Bobcat Band, and has impressively achieved back-to-back TMEA All State recognitions, putting him in an elite class of musicians in the state of Texas,” Villanueva said. “Each year, nearly 70,000 students audition for TMEA All State, and only 3% advance through all rounds of auditions to claim the title of ‘Texas All-Stater.’ 

“Ian leads by example and helps to raise up his peers with his tenacious and diligent clarinet playing, and also creates a positive learning environment with his electric personality. We are incredibly proud of Ian's achievements and representation of the Central Bobcat Band at the state level.” 

Ochoa will perform with his all-state ensemble on Saturday, Feb. 14, in San Antonio. Nationally recognized conductors will direct the ensembles, which rehearse for three days prior to the performance.

Central High School Director of Choirs Landon Gilmore spoke about Ochoa’s achievement.

"We are incredibly proud of Dylan’s accomplishment of making first chair and placing into the TMEA All-State Large School Mixed Choir his freshman year,” Gilmore said. “This the most prestigious of the all-state choirs with only two students in each voice part being taken from Area A to this ensemble. For contest, Area A … is a huge area, geographically. To be No. 1 for that entire part of the state, and as a freshman, is really quite incredible and a testament to Dylan’s talent and hard work. In addition to being a leader in the CHS Choir, Dylan is also a member of the CHS Mighty Bobcat Band. I love that Dylan is able to participate in band and choir while maintaining strong academics."