ENCINITAS — After auditioning and becoming a California All-State musician, Grauer School student Brandon Diep traveled to Sacramento in January to perform in the All-State High School String Orchestra.
Diep was invited to the 2025 California All-State Music Education Conference from Jan. 15 to 19 where he rehearsed and performed in the orchestra. There, through another round of competitive seating auditions, he received the top cello position as principal cello of the orchestra.
For five years, he has been a member of the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra and has served as the principal cellist for the past four years.
Diep said he was honored to be selected for All-State and to represent San Diego, his school and youth orchestra.
“It was a new and exciting experience to play the modern music chosen for All-State because it was different from what I have typically played,” he said. “Getting to perform as the principal cellist in the orchestra made the experience even more memorable.”
Dana Abplanalp-Diggs, Head of The Grauer School, described becoming a California All-State musician as an “outstanding achievement” and “one of the highest honors for musicians in California” as they represent the entire state.
“Each year, thousands of musicians from across the state compete through a rigorous audition, and only a few of the finest students are selected for All-State,” Abplanalp-Diggs said. “Achieving All-State requires near-perfect auditions and is a testament to Brandon’s musical skills on the cello and his years of disciplined practice.”
Currently, Diep is a member of the High School ASB and a co-president of the senior class. In addition, he has been a member of the Grauer Shockwave #3848 High School Robotics Team for four years and has served as captain of the team in 2024. He has also competed on The Grauer School’s High School Science Olympiad team for the past three years.
“The Grauer School strives to develop well-rounded students who are purposeful, confident global citizens. In our balanced, holistic program, students develop the courage and confidence to nurture their unique interests,” said Principal Alicia Tembi. “All students have access to everything Grauer has to offer, from arts to athletics, STEAM, leadership, community service, world languages, cultural immersion and more. Brandon is an outstanding student who has achieved great things while pursuing his personal passions in music, STEAM, leadership, and more.”
Learn more about The Grauer School by attending the upcoming Discover High School at The Grauer School tour, open to interested students and families, on Thursday, March 6. from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information about the event and to RSVP for a tour, visit www.grauerschool.com.
