Maliq Baldwin, a Life High School Waxahachie (LHSW) senior, made history as the first Life School student to earn a spot in the prestigious state-level band. Playing the tuba, Maliq accomplished this remarkable achievement after earning a spot at the state competition, where he performed on February 15th. This outstanding accomplishment marks a significant milestone for both Maliq and Life School’s music program.
Maliq began playing the tuba in 6th grade at Red Oak Middle School in the Red Oak ISD school district. Though he initially joined band class later than his friends, he was determined to be part of the class. When he arrived at the band room, the tuba and a few others were the only instruments remaining. He chose the tuba, believing it suited him best. Maliq continued to play the tuba throughout his time at Red Oak ISD, up until his sophomore year, when he transferred to LHSW. Since making the move, he has been driven to achieve great things with his tuba playing.
Maliq has achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments during his three years at LHSW. He made history as the first-ever band member to be selected for the All-Region Band. In his junior year, he became the first student to advance to the area level. This year, in his senior year, he earned the prestigious Outstanding Drum Major award, marking another first for Life School. To wrap it all up, Maliq earned a spot on the All-State band!
“His commitment to practicing and his work ethic helped him earn a spot in the All-State band,” said Jerry Goble, LHSW Band Director.
Maliq went through numerous auditions just to secure a spot in the band throughout the year. Out of every tuba player in the region, only 2 are selected. To put it in greater perspective, there are 5 regions in the state of Texas, so only 10 tuba players earn a spot in the state band.
“I felt like I worked really hard for this,” said Baldwin. “I’ve been trying to do this since my sophomore year, and seeing it come to fruition was the most fulfilling thing for me.”
Maliq went to San Antonio during the Texas Music Educators Association annual conference on February 12th. This is where he met up with other 4A band players, practiced with them, and then, performed on the 15th.
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Life School is a tuition-free, public charter school with campuses in Cedar Hill, Dallas (Oak Cliff, Mountain Creek), Lancaster, Red Oak, and Waxahachie, TX. Life School develops leaders with life skills through strong academics, character training, and partnerships with parents and the community. Its mission is accomplished in part through the financial support of donors who provide scholarships and embrace making students ready to learn, ready to lead, and ready for life.
Parents who are interested in enrollment can visit lifeschool.net/learn-about-life. Partners who would like to support Life School financially can give online at lifeschool.net/give.
