October 31, 2024
Two Gilbert High School students reached a milestone a limited few have ever attained and nine students earned the right to call themselves all-state musicians this past weekend when auditions were held for the 2024 Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) All-State Music Festival.
Senior twins Laurel and Gretchen Mizerak became only the third and fourth Gilbert band members to land their fourth all-state accolades. Ironically enough, it’s already been done within their own household. Older sister Aubrey Mizerak was the first Gilbert student to be a four-time all-stater, and Jonah White became the second in 2023.
Laurel Mizerak was named to the all-state orchestra, while Gretchen Mizerak was named to the all-state band. Both play the clarinet.
Tyler Anderson snagged his second all-state honor, as he was named to the band on the bass trombone. He’ll be joined in the all-state band by first-time honoree Lillian Dahlstrom on the bari sax.
Chloe Lee will join Laurel Mizerak in the orchestra. Lee claimed the coveted one and only slot for a harpist.
Lydia Weiler will represent the Gilbert choir at the All-State Festival.
Three students — Adrian Wallace (alto sax), Alyse Beyer (trumpet), and Nathan Lee (cello) — were named as all-state alternates.
The 2024 All-State Music Festival will take place Nov. 21-23 in Ames.
Congratulations to our all-state honorees and to all of our students who went through the audition process.