One of the highest honors a high school musician can achieve is to be selected as an All-State musician. Many recognize the All-State designation associated with athletics, but the music world takes it steps further. Students selected as All-State musicians come together for a weekend and present a full-length concert.
The 2026 Utah All-State Orchestras in 2026 were led by two of Utah Tech University’s distinguished music faculty: Dr. Paul Abegg and Dr. Ka-Wai Yu.
Dr. Paul Abegg is Professor of Music at Utah Tech University where he is the Director of Orchestras and String Studies. Both programs have flourished as he has expanded and strengthened them.
Dr. Ka-Wai Yu is Associate Professor of Music at Utah Tech University, where he teaches cello and string chamber music, and directs the UT Early Music Ensemble.
Dr Abegg shared, “I was honored to be invited to conduct the UT All-State Orchestra in 2026. I was excited to have this opportunity, and it was as rewarding as I anticipated.”
Conductors for the annual concerts are selected from across the country. The conductors come from other universities and from professional orchestras. This was the first time a conductor was selected from Southern Utah. “The selection of UT conductors is a sign that others recognize the great skill and professionalism of our faculty,” said Dr. Glenn Webb, Associate Dean of the College of the Arts.
The planning for the event takes months and details are double-checked to make sure that it’s a great experience for all involved. Dr. Abegg selected the repertoire in the spring of 2025, eight months before students gathered. Auditions were held in October and participants from around the state were selected and received music to prepare for the January 2026 event.
The music that Dr. Abegg chose for the students to learn and present included a program consisting of Russian Easter Overture by Rimsky-Korsakov, Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams, and concluded with the fourth movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.
This was an intensive weekend of rehearsal and preparation to learn these masterpieces. Rehearsals began Thursday January 15 and ran that afternoon and evening. They then rehearsed all day long on January 16th. There was then a dress rehearsal on Saturday morning.
The performance took place in Abravenel Hall, home of the Utah Symphony on January 17th. Abravanel Hall is one of the premiere concert venues in the western United States. It is an honor to play in a space with pristine acoustics that responds well to the many colors of a symphony orchestra.
Dr Ka-Wai Yu stated, “We had an awesome time at all-state. I am honored to contribute.”
All who attended reported that the concert was phenomenal. The student musicians were talented, prepared and receptive. The concert that evening was the perfect culmination of great repertoire, talented musicians and an amazing hall to perform in. Dr. Paul Abegg remarked, “This was a great opportunity to represent Utah Tech University and advertise the quality programs we offer for future college students.”
