Elizabethtown Area High School is proud to recognize two of its exceptional student-musicians—Eleyas Kettering (Baritone Saxophone) and Marley Stauffer (Bassoon)—for their selection to the prestigious 2025 PMEA All-State Concert Band. The All-State Festival, hosted by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), was held April 9-12 at the Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains and featured 150 of the top high school band students from across the Commonwealth.

Eleyas and Marley earned their spots in the elite ensemble through a series of highly competitive auditions. Their journey began in January at the PMEA District 7 Band Festival, followed by the Region V Band Festival in March at East Stroudsburg South High School. There, they successfully auditioned for placement into the All-State Band—an honor reserved for Pennsylvania’s most accomplished high school musicians. Notably, Eleyas was one of only four baritone saxophonists selected statewide, and Marley was one of just six bassoonists.

The All-State Concert Band was led by Dr. Jason Noble, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Lehman College, CUNY, and part-time faculty at NYU and the Manhattan School of Music. In total, only nine students from Lancaster County schools earned a place in the All-State ensembles, making Eleyas and Marley’s achievement especially distinguished.

PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes high-quality music education in schools and communities. Its mission centers on fostering meaningful musical experiences, rigorous learning, and innovative teaching for all students.

Kristin Novak, Director of Bands at Elizabethtown Area High School, shared, “We are incredibly proud of Eleyas and Marley. Their dedication, work ethic, and talent have led them to this remarkable accomplishment. They represent the very best of our music program and our school.”