60 GPS Students Named 2026 All-State Musicians

60 GPS High School students were selected for this year’s All-State Musician ensembles. These students represent the peak of musical achievement in Arizona, having successfully navigated one of the most competitive and demanding audition processes in the state.

To earn their place on this list, each student first had to audition for and secure a spot in their respective regional band, choir, or orchestra. Following the initial audition, the students spent countless hours refining difficult solo pieces and mastering complex technical exercises to prepare for the All-State level. In the final auditions held at Gilbert High, these 60 individuals outperformed hundreds of other elite musicians from across the state.

2026 All-State Honorees

The All-State Choir

• Campo Verde High: Iris Giles, Sydney Schnepf, and Charity Griggs all earned spots on the All-state ensemble as Altos.
• Gilbert High: Featured Sopranos include Amelia Eck, Holly Muglia, and Brynlee Coons. Jonas Theriot and Mons Larson were selected as Tenors, while Ariella Strock and Carter Theriot earned spots as an Alto and Bass, respectively.
• Highland High: Standouts include Sopranos Emily Gilliland, Camille Larson, Makenna Johnston, Luna Lockwood, and Samantha McDowell. The tenor section features Elijah Tellez, Seth Hooper, and Joshua Gardner. All-state Altos include Brookelle Bradford, Annalee Taylor, and Jane Robbins. David Wittwer was selected as a Bass.

The All-State Orchestra

• Campo Verde High: Emma Adams (Violin), Emmett Jones (Cello), Brendan Schaefer (Bass), Caleb Bertrand (Bass), and Josh Anderson (Bass).
• Gilbert High: Mary Ashcroft (Violin), Timothy Carroll (Viola), and Reegan Van Patten (Bass).
• Highland High: Joshua Nguyen (Violin), Preston Rule (Violin), Kair Longtin (Violin), Milly Shindo (Violin), Joshua Gardner (Viola), Sean-Fei Ng (Viola), Steffen Gregan (Viola), Ryan Ellsworthy (Cello), David Sdiddi (Bass), and Jane Walker (Harp).
• A student from Gilbert Classical Academy also earned a spot as an All-state musician. 

The All-State Band

• Campo Verde High: Rebekah Hodges (Oboe), Matthew Duty (Trumpet), Logan Wise (Trumpet), Isabella Tinkham (French Horn), and Joshua Say (Trombone).
• Desert Ridge High: Kellen Campbell (Tuba).
• Gilbert High: Jackson Wojcik (Clarinet), Payton Welch (Brass Clarinet), and Ariella Strock (Trombone).
• Gilbert Classical Academy: Max Xue (Clarinet) and Kyle Jones (Brass Clarinet).
• Highland High: Audrey Couch (Piccolo), Keegan Pope (Oboe/English Horn), Dominic Arriola (Oboe), Corbin Arnett (Clarinet), Tyler Kingsley (Baritone Saxophone), Warrick Darling (Trumpet), and Combree Tenney (French Horn).
• Mesquite High: Dirk Olson (Alto Saxophone).

Congratulations to all our student-musicians for their tireless practice and remarkable achievements!