MISSION, TEXAS (JAN. 23, 2026) – Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is proud to announce that Dean Cortez, a student at Veterans Memorial High School and a member of the school’s choir program, has earned a place in the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) 2026 Texas All-State Choir.
Selection to the Texas All-State Choir is one of the highest honors a Texas music student can achieve. Cortez advanced through a rigorous audition process that included District, Region, and Area competitions held across the state. More than 30,000 students participate in the audition process each year.
Cortez reflected on the significance of this recognition and shared his excitement.
“Performing with the Texas All-State Choir at the Texas Music Educators Association as a senior is an honor I’ll carry with me beyond high school,” said Cortez. “Being part of such a prestigious ensemble has been both exciting and meaningful, and it has strengthened my passion for music.”
Students selected for All-State ensembles represent the top performers in Texas following a multi-level adjudication process. The annual TMEA Clinic and Convention is expected to draw more than 30,000 attendees from across Texas and around the world and features over 300 workshops, 100 performances, and more than 600 exhibiting companies and higher education institutions.
Cortez will perform on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio during the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention.
Cortez studies under the direction of Cristina Saenz, choir director at Veterans Memorial High School and a member of the Texas Music Educators Association. This marks Cortez’s first time performing as a member of a TMEA All-State organization.
Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition, which begins with auditions hosted by 33 TMEA regions statewide. All-State students participate in four days of intensive rehearsals under the direction of nationally recognized conductors before performing for thousands of convention attendees during the culminating concerts.
About TMEA
Founded in 1920, the Texas Music Educators Association is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to supporting high-quality music education for all Texas students. TMEA serves more than 20,400 members, including 14,100 school music educators, and provides professional development, advocacy for fine arts education, scholarships, and student programs. Its annual clinic and convention is one of the largest music education events in the world.
For All-State concert and conductor information, visit the Performances section at www.tmea.org/convention.
###