Each year in early February, students from all over the state of Kentucky gather to make music together. This conference is called All-State and it includes students from band, choir, and orchestra.

This year, 12 choir students, two band students, and one orchestra student from GRC were selected to participate in this event.

Ryder Abner, Phoenix Berryman, Trent Conboy-Holden, Chloe Fuson, Wyatt Jackson, Carter Johnston, Lauren McCraith, Raegan McCormick, Allison Moore, Joshua Muse, Heiraelle Osborne, and Ella Pace were selected from GRC’s choirs. 

Tristen Ervin and Olivia Root were selected from GRC’s band. Ella Evans was invited from GRC’s orchestra. 

In order to attend All-State, students must first complete an audition. This process is different for each group of students, but their goal is the same. 

“About two months before the first round of all state, I started practicing during school and a little bit after school,” said trombonist Tristen Ervin.

“I spent a reasonable time every day working on small sections one by one,” violinist Ella Evans said, “Once I could play the sections exceptionally well, I would put it all together.” 

After students have completed their audition, they wait to find out if they were selected. This time can be full of anxiety and doubt, but this makes the grand reveal even more meaningful.

“I felt relieved when I found out I was accepted because I worked hard to do well on the audition,” tenor Ryder Abner said. “There was more pressure to do well since this is my first year in choir.”

The highly selective nature of All-State creates an unforgettable experience for students.

“This event is different from any orchestra event I’ve attended because the orchestra is made up of extremely hard-working kids,” said Evans.

In addition to helping students prepare for auditions, each music ensemble’s director accompanies their students to All-State.

“Students receive a great opportunity to perform with other motivated students,” said orchestra director Vanessa Hall. “All-State affords an intensive learning experience that will help students grow in their musicianship.”

Choir director Kristofer Olson enjoys watching each song improve over the three days at All-State. ”From looking at a piece for the first time together on Wednesday to getting it concert ready on Friday night, it’s really interesting,” he said.

Students spend many hours during these three days perfecting their repertoire with some of the best conductors in the state. However, they also enjoy their time outside of rehearsal bonding with fellow musicians. 

“My favorite part was meeting everyone else in my section,” said Ervin. “They were all really cool and I met some amazing people.”

“I enjoyed getting to meet with friends from other counties that I don’t get to see often,” said Abner.

Students and teachers alike find the All-State experience very impactful.

“I’ve learned that if you put hard work into something you can get closer to achieving your goals,” Evans said.

Mr. Olson likes the new possibilities All-State introduces to students.

“It gives you new ideas and perspectives in terms of music that is out there,” he said. “It opens all sorts of doors in terms of what one can do in music and choir.”

In the classroom, All-State gives students a new sense of confidence along with their newly learned skills.

“All-State is a great motivator for students and gives them a wider view of both their own abilities and of others’ abilities,” said Ms. Hall.  

“People who come back from this make our choir better because their skill set has been expanded or even enhanced,” Mr. Olson said. 

This year’s All-State attendees encourage others to try out next year. 

“I am hoping several students will audition again for All-State next year,” Ms. Hall said. “Going through that process is so valuable for building a stronger musician.”

Abner adds, “Practice often, practice hard, and be passionate about your audition, because All-State is an amazing and transformative experience that you will not regret.”