For many musicians, making it to All-State is a dream come true. For Eliot Widener, this journey was not just about music—it was an adventure filled with surreal moments, determination, and self-reflection.

Eliot, a dedicated trumpet player, earned a spot in Oklahoma All-State, an achievement that speaks volumes about his talent and hard work. Though he placed sixth chair, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he could have done better. Still, he took pride in his performance and admired the skills of the other musicians, especially the second-chair player, Phoenix.

During his time at All-State, Eliot experienced a whirlwind of emotions and peculiar encounters. He saw Snoop Dogg—or at least someone who looked like him—and met a mysterious stranger. His vivid imagination led him into a dream where he found himself in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, falling in love with a gopher, meeting a conga-playing man in France, and witnessing the end of the world.

Despite the intensity of the event and the surreal thoughts swirling in his mind, Eliot found joy in simple moments. He watched crows, ate chicken, and reflected on his experience. Though he sometimes felt like he wasn’t as good as others, the truth remained: making it to All-State is no small feat.

Eliot’s journey reminds us that even in moments of self-doubt, accomplishments should be celebrated. Congratulations to Eliot for representing our school at All-State and for sharing his unique perspective along the way!