On March 2-4, 2023, Thomas County Middle School Tubist, Carter Weiss, participated in the GMEA All-State Band Clinic at the Classic Center in Athens.  Weiss was one of only 14 tuba players in the state to make one of the two Middle School All-State Bands.   His clinician was Erin Cole Steele, an experienced music educator who now works as a clinician and consultant for Conn-Selmer and the Hal-Leonard Corporation.  

Weiss stated that “I had a great experience at All-State, I made some new friends, and I was able to spend time with my family. If there’s anything I could take away from my experience at All-State, it’s that through hard work and dedication, you can do anything you put your mind to. It is also through the hard work and dedication of my band directors, Mr. Majors and Mr. Booth, that I was able to attend this event.”

Majors responded that “Carter is a very talented young man who also puts in the hard work to be considered among the best in the state.  The All-State audition process is extensive, including two rounds that cover scales, etudes and sight-reading.  To make the GMEA All-State Band is a huge accomplishment and we are very proud of this young man.”

On Saturday, March 4, 2023, the All-State Middle School Band performed “Verity March” by Laura Estes, “Skyward” by Katahj Copley, “Fragile” by Randall Standridge, and “Choose Joy” by Randall Standridge.