Choir All-State: a singing success
By Olivia Garrett
(Owasso freshman choir members pictured by choir director)
As choir members exercised their voices and packed their bags, they prepared for the 2024 Choir All-State. Students took weeks readying themselves, practicing and rehearsing the various songs they would later perform. In order to attend the event, choir members had to undergo a rigorous audition process. With three rounds of auditions, the trials became increasingly selective, and the competition became increasingly focused.
“Everyone [at All State] is really at the top of their game. Everyone really cares a lot about being there, and it shows,” attendee Darci Roberts shares.
Students who were able to attend were all very grateful for the special experience, and this enthusiasm for the event fueled their all-around success. Each day of the event, members would rehearse their assigned songs together for hours, all the while bonding with their peers and progressing in their talents. This process helped grow camaraderie amongst members and bring them closer together.
“The people are the best; everyone gets along super well. The directors and students make it such a good time,” Roberts says, smiling.
Attributing a large part of the choir’s success to the directors, the students expressed their abundant thankfulness for them. The directors helped them rehearse, communicate and overall navigate the event more smoothly. Putting strenuous hours in every day, the directors’ hard work did not go unnoticed; the members were more than appreciative of all the good their directors did for them.
“I absolutely loved my director; she was always coming up with new ideas and methods to help better our production. We definitely couldn’t have done it without them,” Roberts boasts.
These new and creative ideas proposed by the directors helped make the event a more memorable experience. One in particular was when the director planned an innovative and imaginative performance, going beyond the typical choir production.
The director utilized physical movement in the performance, having the students mimic the swells and dips of the songs with their bodies, raising their arms in the air and swaying to the melody. This unique experience was one sure to be remembered.
“[All-State] was a super special experience. I’m so glad I got to go. It was definitely worth all the work we put in,” attendee Ryland Nuckels remarks.
Students didn’t just have an eventful time at the convention; they also spent much of their time rehearsing and practicing for the concert at the end of the event. Attendees spent the week practicing their craft to put on a successful performance. Friends and family of the choir each attended the show at the end of the week to witness the finished product.
“I was super proud of how everything turned out. It was really cool to work on something and have all your friends and family get to see the results,” Nuckels voices.
Choir members all around were very proud of their successful final performance. Putting on such a successful production required a lot of help from outside forces. The choir received help rehearsing from guest clinicians who aided them in perfecting the various songs.
“There were so many people helping us perfect our performance all week. We learned so much,” Nuckels proclaims.
As the week came to a close, students did and will continue to prepare for future events, keeping this enlightening event in mind. Learning in song and cooperation, choir members who attended All-State shared a formative experience that is sure to influence the department for years to come. With eager directors and a loving choir community, attendees called this year's choir All-State a success.