Fine Arts Students Excel in a Stellar Season of TPSMEA Success
May 20, 2025
The Episcopal School of Dallas is celebrating an extraordinary fine arts season, with students achieving remarkable success at the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) and Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) competitions throughout the school year. From choral ensembles to orchestra and band, ESD students showcased their talent, dedication, and school spirit on stage across the state.
Raising Their Voices in Harmony
ESD vocalists brought energy and excellence to every performance this year. Middle school students Ben D. ‘30, Clinton R. ‘30, and George T. ‘30 earned spots in the TPSMEA Middle School Honor Choir, representing the school with passion and poise.
At the high school level, ESD’s presence was strong in the TPSMEA All-Region Treble Choir, with Cate Canon ‘27 and Sarah Chiste ‘25 selected as Soprano I, Thuy An Dao ‘26 as Alto I, and Jordan Johnson ‘27 and Marloh Madison ‘27 as Alto II. Their performances reflected the strength of ESD’s vocal program and the supportive community behind it.
The All-Region Mixed Choir welcomed a dynamic group of upper school vocalists: Matthew Charlton ‘25, Matthew Durante ‘25, Evellyn Hargrave ‘26, Jake Infante ‘25, Kent Lanyon ‘25, Milam Olson ‘25, and Gianluca Sabella ‘26. These students brought their voices together to create something great.
Band Plays Loud and Proud
Band students also had a season to remember. Anakha A. ‘30 earned recognition in the TPSMEA Middle School Honor Band, while the high school Region Band featured Declan Graham ‘25 (percussion), Rahul Gundluru ‘26 (oboe), Rohit Gundluru ‘26 (trumpet), and Ritvik Maridi ‘25 (trombone). Maridi’s exceptional performance earned him a coveted spot in the TPSMEA All-State Band, an honor that speaks to his commitment and musical growth.
In solo and ensemble contests, ESD musicians showed their versatility and focus. At the regional level, standout performers included Anakha A. ‘30, Parker Capp ‘28, Ritvik Maridi ‘25, Michael Peralta ‘26, Shridhar Gowrishankar ‘28, Declan Graham ‘25, Cade Gray ‘28, Rahul Gundluru ‘26, Rohit Gundluru ‘26, and Jett Guy ‘25. Several students went on to the state contest, where Maridi, Peralta, Gowrishankar, Gray, and both Gundluru brothers represented ESD with pride.
Strings of Success in Orchestra
It was also a year to remember for ESD’s orchestra students. Elaine Yao ‘28, a gifted violinist, earned places in both the TMEA All-Region Orchestra and the TPSMEA All-State Orchestra — a remarkable achievement that highlights her artistry and dedication.
A talented group of ESD orchestra students, Rawaan Khan ‘28 (bass), Alan Kim ‘28 (violin), Sophia Sardina ‘25 (bass), and Vienna Thompson ‘26 (violin) added depth and heart to each performance at the TPSMEA All-Region Orchestra.
Additionally, Travis Y. ‘32 and a lower-school student received honors for their violin work at the TPSMEA Orchestra Solo and Ensemble Contest, further showcasing the strength and variety of ESD’s string program.
A Season to Remember
This season’s success across choir, band, and orchestra reflects the students’ hard work, the support of their families, and the guidance of the school’s fine arts faculty. Whether performing in regional honor groups or representing ESD at the state level, each student played an important part in a year filled with music, memories, and meaningful achievement.
As the final notes of the season ring out, the ESD community celebrates not only the accolades but also the dedication, teamwork, and joy that defined a truly exceptional fine arts year.
