All-State Reflections

Expanding the All State Experience.

When we sat down to begin planning CASMEC last year, we had many exciting prospects to consider. First, this would be our last conference in Fresno and so we already had an eye to the future on planning the behind the scenes work in Sacramento. Secondly, we were extremely excited to finally have our Golden State Band make its debut performance. This ensemble featured students from Title I and small California high schools, and was conducted by Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Bringing this ensemble to life was no small feat, and we couldn’t have done this without our CBDA Small-Schools Band committee. This groundbreaking ensemble provided so many more students with access to an enriching All-State experience.

I would love to thank our 2023 All State Ensemble Hosts (Susie Martone & Angelina Fitzhugh - CCDA, Brant NishidaCODA, Paul Herrera - CAJ, Katie Gilchrist - CBDA, Galen Lemmon - Percussion Coordinator). Because of their tireless hard work, we were able to provide a smooth All State experience, with a focus on our students. I would also like to give a special thanks to our Student Host - Yasmine Brackens-Alexander and her team, and Ryan Dirlam - CASMEC Coordinator, for making this last year in Fresno happen, all while planning our conference move to Sacramento. We are also so grateful for all of the hard work of the ensemble managers who helped conductors plan smooth rehearsals and lay the groundwork for our All-State musicians to have a rewarding and engaging experience. This CASMEC would not have happened without your dedication and hard work!

Looking ahead to Sacramento, we are excited for new beginnings for our conference. We are looking forward to having our rehearsals more centrally located to the conference, so attendees can see the incredible work the conductors and students are accomplishing in rehearsal. We are also excited to welcome our panel of guest conductors in 2024, and look forward to their work with the students. Most importantly, we are looking forward to providing another All-State experience for our outstanding, young musicians.

I thank everyone for their support in navigating our last year in Fresno, and we hope you are as excited as we are to move forward to Sacramento and a fresh start for CASMEC.

Finally, a huge thank you and congratulations to the one and only Trish Adams. Thanks isn’t enough to account for all of the guidance she provides for educators, students, and parents alike. She is truly the backbone of this conference and makes California’s Music Education scene that much brighter. Thank you, Trish.

We look forward to welcoming you and your students to Sacramento 1/31-2/4 in 2024 for the next California All-State Music Education Conference. As always, thank you for all that you do for our students, schools, and communities across the state. Good luck with your remaining weeks of classes. Have a wonderful and restful summer!

Amy Villanova

CBDA Ensemble Host

Mrs. Villanova teaches Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and the IM Conservatory. She has been teaching at CCA since 2004. She has a Masters of Music Education degree from the USC Thornton School of Music, received her teaching credential from SDSU and her Bachelor of Arts in Music (Music Education and Flute Performance) from UCLA. She is on the board of the San Diego Winds and is active within the SCSBOA and CMEA communities.