As you walk through the halls of GRC, you can often hear different melodious sounds of voices and instruments being meshed together to create a beautiful harmony that flows through the halls of GRC. Otherwise known as the orchestra, band, and choir classrooms. 

For many students, participating in these classes is not just a hobby; it is something that they want to pursue in life. Whether it is through becoming a professional performer, an educator, or a director. All-State is the perfect opportunity that allows young musicians to dive deeper into their music education from February 4th through February 6th for Choir attendees and February 7th for Band attendees. 

Whilst All-State is to help improve students’ education, it is not a very easy program to be accepted into. All-State sends out audition materials towards the end of the previous school year and holds auditions around September or October. 

“The audition process starts weeks in advance,” senior Heiraelle Osborne said “Each musician, whether they are from an instrumental ensemble or from a choir, spends many hours honing their skills and practicing the music.”

Being accepted into All-State is a huge honor for many, giving students a huge confidence boost that they did not know they needed. In return, it makes it a huge goal for students to achieve, and many often do. 

“Getting into All-State has changed the way that I look at it,” said junior Aden Henson. “As a freshman and sophomore, it seemed nearly impossible, but now it is like I have made this before I have made anything else.” 

All-State is an incredibly fun experience that students come home raving about; it is filled with long, tiring days that leave students feeling exhausted. However, no matter how tiresome the days can be, they are filled with traditions that allow students to leave with a feeling of nostalgia and sentimentality. 

“Most of the time we wake up and start rehearsals around 9-10ish,” said junior Carter Johnston. “Then we have a lunch break, then a few more rehearsals. In all, we will rehearse about 9-10 hours each day. At the end of the night, we will all go out to the balcony of the hotel and sing the national anthem. It is a beautiful tradition that is one of my favorites every year that we go.”

All-State allows students to learn things they may never get the chance to learn while in high school. It allows them to expand their knowledge of music and become a better musician than they already are. 

“I was exposed to such innovative and creative pieces last time I was there,” said senior Ella Howton. “Body percussion, a tongue-clicking language, screaming as a part of the music, all of these things I would never have gotten to learn and see if it wasn’t for All-State. It broadened my horizons in the best way!” 

While All-State is filled with traditions and amazingly fun activities for students, it is also a learning experience all in all. Students get to work with students from surrounding counties that they normally don’t get to work with, increasing their musical ability to make and understand music. 

“All-States ensemble will help you learn to listen to other players,” junior Olivia Root said. “Allowing you to know better ways to rehearse with an ensemble you’ve never been with before, which is why All-State is such an important ensemble to be a part of.”