October 23, 2025 - Nine Comal ISD students were named 2025 Outstanding Performers following their state performances at the Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest this summer. This is the highest individual honor for a student musician at the state level.
Of the approximately 100,000 students participating in the regional UIL music contests and the thousands of musicians who performed at the state contest, only 2 to 3 percent of the solo performances earn the distinguished honor of being recognized as an Outstanding Performer.
These honorees receive gold medals as the recipients of the Outstanding Performer award which represents “the attainment by an individual of superior musicianship,” according to the UIL.
In order to be selected for this award, students first must qualify for the state solo-ensemble contest by receiving a superior rating at the region level in their categories which includes woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, guitar, piano and voice. After the competition, each solo judge may designate exemplary soloists as Outstanding Performers.
The following Comal ISD students earned the title of 2025 Outstanding Performers:
Canyon High School
- Django Gregerson – Percussion
- Aniyah Johnson - Vocal Solo
- Marc Mora - Music Theory
Canyon High School music instructors include Stephen Vaden, director of bands; Macy Harmison, assistant band director; Preston Beck, assistant band director; Randy Sifuentes, assistant band director and percussion instructor; Jay Martin, fine arts coordinator; Karla Cruz, associate choir director, retired; and Fernanda Cuevas, orchestra director.
Canyon Lake High School
- Jackson Alvarez - Vocal Solo
Canyon Lake High School choir director is Penny Gabrielsen.
Davenport High School
- Milton Amaya - Euphonium Solo
- Caleb Atkins - Trumpet Solo
- Benjamin King - Keyboard Percussion Solo
Davenport High School music instructors include Michael Lehmann, director of bands; Marli Dority, assistant band director; and Tyler McClendon, assistant band director and percussion instructor.
Pieper High School
- Carson Laubach - Vocal Solo
Pieper High School choir director is Drew Specht.
Smithson Valley High School
- Craig Hughes - Piano Solo
Smithson Valley High School piano instructor is Diana Cooper.
Congratulations!
Photo Descriptions
-Canyon High School student Aniyah Johnson earned the Outstanding Performer award for her vocal solo at the 2025 Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble contest.
-Canyon Lake High School student Jackson Alvarez earned the Outstanding Performer award for his vocal solo at the 2025 Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble contest.
-Davenport High School students from left Caleb Atkins, Benjamin King and Milton Amaya earned the Outstanding Performer award for their solo performances at the 2025 Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble contest.
-Pieper High School student Carson Laubach earned the Outstanding Performer award for his vocal solo at the 2025 Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble contest.
-Smithson Valley High School student Craig Hughes earned the Outstanding Performer award for his piano solo at the 2025 Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble contest.