On Saturday, February 19, selected Columbus High School choral students participated in Georgia's All-State Chorus event.
Hosted by Georgia Music Educators Association, All-State is a musical event meant to showcase Georgia's top student musicians. The event is hosted not only for chorus but for band and orchestra as well.
The audition process to perform at All-State is a rigorous one.
"At the region level, students are asked to sight-read 3 examples, sing their 3 scales, as well as perform a solo. Students who pass the 1st audition are then placed in 1 of 4 high school choirs: 9/10 Mixed Choir, Senior Women’s Choir, Senior Men’s Choir, or 11/12 Mixed Choir" reveals Choral Director, Mrs. Freeman.
"Students are expected to learn their part for each song selected for their choir. In January, students audition at the local level to demonstrate that their music has been learned," she further explains.
"The audition process was very daunting!" admits sophomore Chloe Smith, who performed at All-State this year.
Those who passed both levels of auditions performed in Athens this weekend. They arrived on Wednesday and began preparing for Saturday's performance the next day.
"The students rehearse for several hours each day on Thursday and Friday with breaks in between for lunch, dinner, and some downtime where we would explore downtown Athens,"Mrs. Freeman said.
During this downtime, students who performed at All-State were able to bond and form friendships with one another.
"My favorite part of the trip was whenever the seniors were all together. This is our last All- State together, and it was the most chaotic and amazing time!" reveals senior, Jessica DiQuattro, who performed at All-State this year as well as her sophomore year.
"Seeing the same people constantly for 3 days definitely made us closer!" exclaims Smith.