Senior Zachary Niles recently earned a spot in the 5A All-State Band, making history as the school’s first percussionist to do so. 

“I’ve been playing my instrument since 7th grade and wasn’t really that interested at first, but in high school, I started to find a passion for music,” Niles said. 

His love for music has driven him to pursue a music education degree at Texas State University. Though initially uncertain of his abilities, Niles was thrilled and surprised when he made the All-State Band.

“I originally thought I wasn’t good enough,” he said. “When I found out, I had so much joy. It was even more surprising when I learned I was SV’s first percussionist to make the All-State so it’s a great feeling to make history this year.” 

Niles was among 1500 other percussion students to try out for all state. He ended up placing 14th out of everyone who auditioned. 

“The competition in that room with everyone else was crazy hard,” Niles said. “It definitely made me feel nervous that I wasn’t going to make it, but I know that I found my place in life with music, and I’m now going to push new limits.”