Every November, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) holds auditions for its All-State Jazz ensembles and a new musician takes first place in their instrument, landing a spot in the prestigious ensemble. For the trumpet section, McCallum sophomore trumpet player and section leader Jude DeBerry DeLeon earned his spot at the top of the list.
From alto saxophone to bass guitar, Texas high school musicians performed select etudes for judges, however, the pieces still left room for lots of improvisation. One random song was picked by the judges specifically to be improvised over. DeBerry DeLeon felt pressure from the sheer number of competitors.
“I knew I was prepared, but still extremely nervous because going to All-State was my goal this year,” DeBerry DeLeon said. “I knew at the region level I would basically be competing against 500 trumpet players. Not only was I not expecting to make a high chair at state because I would be going up against seniors, but I wasn’t expecting to get first.”
Despite the surprise in placement, DeBerry Deleon was greeted with rejoicing and celebration from the rest of the McCallum trumpets. As a section leader in marching band, DeBerry DeLeon has found a community in his fellow musicians.
“They announced the TMEA All-State jazz results at the end of a marching rehearsal, and it was the rehearsal right before we were about to go to the state marching competition,” DeBerry DeLeon said. “I just remember my friends running over, congratulating me, and the directors being so proud.”
For DeBerry DeLeon, the trumpet has been a primary focus and a hobby for years. High school has only brought him new opportunities and experiences, such as the TMEA All-State jazz auditions.
“I started in 6th grade, and as soon as I started the trumpet class I knew this instrument was going to be my thing,” DeBerry DeLeon said. “I practiced and practiced everyday, and that’s why progression in my playing happened a lot quicker for me. I worked super hard to get that spot, and my hard work paid off.”
DeBerry DeLeon had friendly competition with trumpet players from other schools. He was able to take inspiration from peers and other famous musicians in his playing.
“I definitely have people who inspire me,” DeBerry DeLeon said. “Especially professional jazz trumpet players like Ryan Kisor, Wynton Marsales and Dizzy Gillespie. But a lot of my peers inspire me as well. I think my favorite players have inspired my sound and style of playing, but I also definitely have put my own spin on my style and sound as well.”
Last year, DeBerry DeLeon was inspired by several of his peers, one of them being senior trombone player Mateo Rodriguez, who had a front row seat to Jude’s progression as a player.
“I know he works really hard, he’s extremely dedicated as a player,” Rodriguez said. “He’s grown to have such maturity in what he does. He’s understood that he is very talented, and so he’s worked harder to get where he wants to go.”
Rodriguez has been aware of DeBerry DeLeon’s skill for a while, and while watching his progression, Rodriguez had faith that DeBerry DeLeon’s skills would land him in the top ensemble.
“I definitely expected him to do well, it’s a super competitive competition, so even though there’s no way to know exactly how he would do, I definitely think we all knew he would do well,” Rodriguez said. “I think there was some surprise that he got first, but it also made a lot of sense.”
Regardless of the years of playing already under his belt, DeBerry DeLeon still has time ahead of him, which Rodriguez believes he will make the most of.
“It was really cool to see because McCallum doesn’t get a lot of first-chair state players,” DeBerry DeLeon said. “It’s crazy that he has 2 more years after this year, so I believe he’ll continue to make other people feel confident in being able to succeed as younger players, just like him.”
DeBerry DeLeon serves as an influence on younger players and even his closest friends. For Freshman trumpet player River Valle, DeBerry DeLeon provides constructive criticism on his playing.
“He always gives good advice,” Valle said. “He’s there for me when I need help, he corrects my mistakes, and helps me strive to improve my playing and marching. I wasn’t surprised when he placed first at TMEA All-State jazz auditions because he’s extremely talented, and I knew he could do it.”
DeBerry DeLeon was able to celebrate his placement with those around him who provided a space for him. According to a close friend of his, sophomore Astrid Ramirez, this placement was something she’s expected for a while.
“I was proud of him, and it made me happy to see how excited he was about it,” Ramirez said. “He’s driven, and every single time I call him, he has a trumpet in his hand and is practicing, I know how hard he works, and the first-place spot served as no surprise for me.”
As a sophomore, DeBerry DeLeon still has many competitions ahead of him and hours more of trumpet practice ahead. He’ll continue playing in the jazz band at McCallum, in the wind ensemble and filling practice rooms with rivers of notes.
“I remember not feeling like it was real in the beginning but after the unreal feeling went away I was excited, and I’m even more excited for the future,” DeBerry DeLeon said.
