For the first time in five years, Tomball Cougar Pride is sending two members to the All State Band. Taylor Pope and Ruben Acuna advanced to the elite band last Saturday after performing an incredible audition.

Emotions were running high when results were posted, as Pope remembers.

“When I saw my name on the list, my heart leaped with joy,” Pope said.

The two students received their three pieces of music in July, and have been practicing and working hard for months leading up to this moment. Practicing, combined with the regular homework from their other classes, adds lots of stress on the contestants. With all this preparation, making to the final stage in the Region process is a huge accomplishment. 

“I couldn’t believe it. All that hard work paid off,” Acuna said.

The two will perform together as part of an elite band comprised of the best players in Texas in February.