PC Students Join Oregon’s Top Student Musicians in OMEA All-State Event

The Oregon Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State event took place in Eugene in mid-January. Band and choir students submitted audition pieces in the fall, and those accepted earned the opportunity to perform with guest conductors and other top student musicians from across Oregon. The All-State program is a long-standing honor ensemble experience that brings together selected students from around the state to rehearse and perform at a high level.

Mr. Joseph Ostrand, PC MS & HS band and choir director shares the following:

Kaleb Kidney (8th grade) has attended Oregon All-State for the past three years. This year the ensemble was directed by a huge name in the String Orchestra world, Dr.Robert Gillespie from The Ohio State University. He is the co-author of the method book series, Essential Elements for String, the leading string method teaching book with over 12 million copies sold. Under Dr.Gillespie’s direction, Kaleb and 97 other string students from across the State. This 2026 OMEA All-State Middle School Orchestra met for the first time on Thursday, January 15. After two days filled with rehearsal, sectionals, and workshops, the students put together a concert (five songs) at Lane Community College on Friday night. Kaleb was 7th chair cello out of 20.

Alyssa Clevinger (7th grade) attended All-State for her second year as a Soprano, she along with 150 other students were part of the Middle School Treble Choir. This year held a record number of students to audition for this ensemble. Over 600 students (6th-8th graders) auditioned, and only 155 were accepted to perform in this special All-State Ensemble. This ensemble was under the direction of Dr.Julie Yu from Oklahoma City University. They performed from memory, six songs.

Two PC high school students were part of the high school ensembles, who rehearsed for three days before their Sunday performance.

Coleson Schroder (12th grade) has attended at least five All-States and has represented PC in many honor bands and ensembles during his high school career. He was part of the High School Symphonic Band. This year, the director, Dr. Emily Moss came from the University of New Mexico. Coleson received one of only seven spots. The level of competition is very high, and it’s a great honor to be accepted into these ensembles. 

Adam Xiong (10th grade) has attended three All-State conferences. This year, Adam was part of the 9th-10th grade High School Choir. Their director was Dr.Cari Earnhart from California State University, Fresno. Their concert included several songs, three of which were in a different language. Adam was one of 21 students singing Baritone.

Photos from OMEA Facebook event post.

Congratulations to Coleson, Adam, Kaleb, and Alyssa for this prestigious invitation to All-State!