Alpine Student Earns Spot in All-State Band

Jake Vega selected for prestigious Texas high school music honor

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) has selected Jake Vega, a member of the Alpine High School Band, as one of only 286 students statewide to perform in the 2026 All-State Band. Vega earned this honor through a competitive audition process involving over 10,000 high school musicians across Texas.

Why it matters

Making the ATSSB All-State Band is a significant achievement that recognizes Vega's musical talent and dedication. The All-State Band features the top high school musicians in Texas, providing them the opportunity to perform at a high level and collaborate with other elite student musicians.

The details

Vega, who plays the B-flat clarinet, was selected for the All-State Band after advancing through region and area auditions. He will join the 286 chosen students for rehearsals and a concert performance in San Antonio on February 14. Vega's band director, Chuck Wilson, is a member of ATSSB, a 1,400-member organization of band directors from Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A high schools in Texas.

  • Vega was selected for the 2026 ATSSB All-State Band.
  • The All-State Band will meet for rehearsals from February 11-14, 2026.
  • The All-State Band concert will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jake Vega

A member of the Alpine High School Band who plays the B-flat clarinet and was selected for the 2026 ATSSB All-State Band.

Chuck Wilson

The band director at Alpine High School and a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB).

Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB)

A 1,400-member organization of band directors from Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A high schools in Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Jake worked very hard for this achievement. Making it to this level against thousands of other Texas students is something that earns him a spot amongst the elite Alpine musicians who have attained this level in the past. I'm proud of him and his dedication to excellence.”

— Chuck Wilson, Band Director, Alpine High School (Big Bend Sentinel)

What’s next

Vega and the other selected All-State Band members will meet for rehearsals in San Antonio from February 11-14, 2026, culminating in a concert performance on February 14.

The takeaway

Jake Vega's selection to the prestigious ATSSB All-State Band demonstrates the exceptional musical talent and dedication of students in small-town Texas high school band programs. This achievement highlights the important role these programs play in cultivating young musicians and providing them opportunities to showcase their skills at the highest level.