| No one is undervaluing the all-state experience, it is a great musical opportunity, but most do not regard it as an accurate way to grasp a student's musical ability. A lot of politics play into who is accepted, and many other states do not approve of the selection process. For example, other states allow freshmen and sophomores in, but in New York, the system is based on seniority, I know some freshmen who are better than seniors who get in. All State is a great learning experience, but keep in mind that there are other musical opportunities out there that are just as good or better. I, for instance, found that I learned a lot more from being selected into the NYSBDA Honor Band, than I did in the All-State Band. |