Grayson Brassell, an eighth-grade student at Swainsboro Middle School, was recently selected for membership in the 2022-23 GMEA All-State Band. She competed in two extremely rigorous auditions prior to being selected for this event. There were over 11,000 band students competing in the two auditions. Grayson was selected as the 8th chair Trumpet player in her band, marking her as one of the most outstanding young middle school musicians in Georgia.
Selection for this event is a very high honor. The vast majority of students who achieve this level of musicianship are typically found in the metro Atlanta area and receive weekly private lessons on their instruments from a qualified specialist. Swainsboro Middle School is one of the only rural middle schools to consistently have students selected for this prestigious event.
SMS Band director Dr. Gene Hundley stated that he was very proud of the outstanding work that Grayson put into this audition process. “She is a very hard worker who puts in the time above and beyond what is required in order to achieve a superior level of performance. This is a quality that makes for a great band student and a well-rounded person. I also would like to thank the Band Parents, the Swainsboro Band Boosters, the administration at Swainsboro Middle School as well as Superintendent Scotty Hattaway for their support of music in Emanuel County Schools.”
