Five musicians and 13 vocalists from Birmingham City Schools have earned selections to the 2026 Alabama Bandmasters Association All-State Band and the Alabama All-State Choir — two of the highest honors available to young musicians in the state of Alabama.
The recognitions place these Birmingham City Schools students among the top performers statewide and highlight the strength of the district’s commitment to arts education.
All-State Band Honorees
The Alabama Bandmasters Association All-State Band is a statewide honor ensemble that brings together the most accomplished middle and high school instrumentalists for an intensive festival of rehearsals and performances under the direction of distinguished conductors. Students must advance through a highly competitive audition process, demonstrating superior technical skill, musicianship, and preparation. Auditions this year were hosted at Hoover High School and included participants from Jefferson, Shelby, and surrounding counties.
Students who audition are ranked according to statewide scoring and placed into performance ensembles based on achievement. Placement in the Red Band represents the highest scoring tier in Alabama and is considered one of the most prestigious distinctions a student instrumentalist can earn.
Birmingham City Schools is proud to celebrate the following All-State Band selections:
Red Band (highest scoring ensemble)
Preston Samuels — 1st Chair Tuba, Ramsay High School
Devontae Craig — 2nd Chair Trumpet, Carver High School
Blue Band
Jada Gaines — 2nd Chair Trumpet, Carver High School
Middle School Honors
Brandon Robinson — 2nd Chair Tuba, Washington K-8 School
Miles Howard — 11th Chair Trumpet, W.J. Christian School
The All-State Band Festival will culminate in a final public performance in April 2026 in Mobile, Alabama, where these students will perform alongside the top musicians from across the state.
All-State Choir Honorees
In addition to instrumental excellence, Birmingham City Schools proudly celebrates students selected to the Alabama All-State Choir. This honor recognizes exceptional vocal performance, musical literacy, and dedication to the choral arts. Selection to the choir represents months of preparation and reflects the highest standards of vocal achievement among student singers in Alabama.
Stephanie Smith — W.J. Christian School
Lauryn Ballard — W.J. Christian School
Jallen Holmes — Ramsay IB School
Jaedon Riddell — Ramsay IB School
Issac Simon — Ramsay IB School
Joy Ukeje — Ramsay IB School
Jessica Judge — George Washington Carver High School
Karmon Jones — George Washington Carver High School
JaKayla Evans — George Washington Carver High School
Nevaeh Thomas — George Washington Carver High School
TaiJon Lopez — George Washington Carver High School
Loren Leshoure — Phillips Academy
Aubree Jones — Phillips Academy
Participation in All-State auditions requires months of disciplined practice, personal commitment, and the guidance of dedicated music educators. While not every student who auditions earns placement, the process itself builds confidence, resilience, time management skills, and a deep appreciation for artistic excellence. These qualities extend far beyond the rehearsal room and contribute to lifelong personal and academic success.
"The achievements of these young musicians reflect the passion and professionalism of Birmingham City Schools’ fine arts programs and demonstrate the transformative power of the arts in shaping well-rounded students," said Dr. Debora Mayes, Coordinator of Arts Education for Birmingham City Schools. "Their success serves as an inspiration to future generations of student artists across the district."