During the Regular Meeting of the City Commission on Wednesday, November 8, the commission took a moment to recognize the Rio Grande City Ac2E Elementary Harmonix Choral Music Group for being one of only three groups selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention set to take place in San Antonio.
The AC2E Harmonics is a 70-member carol and instrumental group based on the Academy for Academic Enhancement Elementary, a STEM Academy in Rio Grande City’s historic Fort Ringgold. It is composed of students from nine elementary schools from across the district. The group meets every week to rehearse during their music class period. Members include students from third to fifth grade. Students in this group are encouraged to learn an instrument in addition to singing. The instruments available are guitar, violin, percussion and recording.
The Ac2E Harmonix are under the direction of founding directors Noe A. Benitez and Christina Benitez. “We did not expect to be selected but they selected us and we want to show the state of Texas that the students at Rio Grande City can also perform at the state level and be able to showcase a great talent in this community,” stated Mr. Benitez. “I believe in our students and I believe in our great community of Rio Grande City and La Grulla.”
Scheduled to be held in February, the TMEA Clinic/Convention provides unparalleled opportunities for professional development for current and future music educators at every level and discipline. Each TMEA Division will host a diverse program of clinics to ensure every member has multiple offerings to foster their professional advancement and to help them in their personal support of all students through music education. The convention will include performances by ensembles at every grade level and will feature the rehearsals and performances of TMEA All-State ensembles.
