The tradition of musical excellence continues at North Scott High School, as 22 students were selected for the All-State Music Festival this week in Ames.
This includes 17 choir members, four band members and one choir alternate. The auditions were held Oct. 25.
“The Iowa All-State music festival is an incredible tradition and experience for our students. We are fortunate in our state to have such an opportunity for our young musicians,” said choir director Lori Potts.
The festival will be held Nov. 20-22 at Iowa State University, and the concert will air Thanksgiving weekend on Iowa PBS. The band is being conducted by Dr. Scott Lubaroff of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, and the choir will be directed by Dr. Nicole Lamartine of Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
“It is always an incredible experience to see what all of the All-State students are able to put together in just a day and a half of rehearsal,” said band director Carl Collins. “Having all of those talented students in the same room is a celebration of all of the great music programs in the state. I remember my All-State experience, and it was a core memory for me. I’m sure these students will have the same experience!”
Band director Mike McMann agreed that All-State is a great experience, not only for the students but for their instructors as well.
“It is fun because I remember how it felt to play in that ensemble full of so many great musicians. I also love that it includes students from all over the state who don’t know each other — all working together to provide a musical moment for the audience. On a personal note, it will be fun for me because my students — and my own kids — will be playing under the direction of my high school band director.”
Potts, McMann and Collins agreed that the growth students experience through the process is one of the most rewarding parts of All-State.
“Students learn the process of how to improve as a musician,” said Potts. “The importance of details in the music and how to make a few measures come off the page. Not just playing the black and white notes. In choir, they are also learning the importance of working as a team as they audition in quartets.”
“I think the biggest thing is seeing how much the students grow — obviously on the musical side of things, but also in terms of time management, self-discipline, and working toward a goal that involves a lot of individual work,” said McMann.
“For me, seeing the growth in all of the students who take on the All-State process is the most rewarding part,” added Collins. “Regardless of the outcome of the audition, all of these students get better in substantial ways, and that benefits not only them, but the ensembles of which they are a part.”
For students thinking about auditioning for All-State, or considering going through the process again, all three had the same advice: Try it!
“Focus on the growth that you will experience, not the outcome. Then, do it 100%. That’s where you’ll see the results in the end,” said Collins.
“Everyone who is involved in the system improves. Confidence is developed which helps young singers with control of their overall performance,” said Potts.
“The worst thing that can happen is that you will get better through the process! And don’t put all of your stock into this one window of time that some random person is judging you,” advised McMann. “Go into the auditions hoping to do your best, but be proud of the work that you put in and don’t let that get diminished if one judge doesn’t call your number that day.”
The culmination of the process is the concert, which Potts said is a memorable experience.
“It’s an exciting concert to hear high school musicians performing from across the state at this level. This concert represents many hours of preparation and perseverance. It’s an honor to be in the audience knowing many of our students have been selected to perform in this group.”
“I am proud of all of our students who took on the All-State audition,” said Collins. “This is a huge undertaking for them, and the growth we have seen is awesome! Congratulations to all of them!”
Three-Timer
Marlayna Cockshoot – Soprano II
Senior Marlayna Cockshoot is breathing rare air, joining a select group of North Scott students who have made the All-State Choir three times. The daughter of Tonya Cockshoot and Jarrad Cockshoot, she was in a quartet with Brooklyn Lacher, Hayden Lacher and Behren Radech. She made it straight through this year.
“People complain about the All-State process as it’s difficult, but it is the most rewarding part. I definitely felt the pressure as a senior with two years under my belt, but I found fun in the process, both chorally and memory-wise, and that made it that much better.
“I will live the rest of my life happy that I pushed myself through the two-month process each year and now have memories with my friends. The process has taught me discipline and leadership skills, and I thank Mrs. Potts and Mr. Skyles immensely for their help.”
For students considering going through the All-State process next year, she has a few pieces of advice: “Work hard and play hard! A group with chemistry is the best group, so stay focused, but don’t forget to have a little fun while doing it.
“Just do it,” she added. “You miss all opportunities that you give up. If that’s talking to a new person, getting that job or trying for All-State, life’s too short not to just do it!”
She also said she’s grown tremendously since her first time auditioning. “In sophomore year, I thought I wasn’t going to make it, and that I just didn’t have the talent to sing. However, I grew up since then. I realized talent isn’t the important part; it is how much and well I work at it. Then I put my all into choir and have learned what it truly means to work for something.”
And she had a special shout-out.
“Thank you to my family and my boyfriend for all of their help. I love you guys!”
Two-Timers
Mason Burnett – Bass Clarinet
In All-State preparation, mindset is everything. Especially if you’ve already made it once.
Just ask sophomore Mason Burnett.
“Since last year nothing really changed with the preparation, but I felt a ton more pressure to get in. Which almost altered the way I practiced. It was a mental battle.”
The son of Kimberly Burnett and Mitch Burnett, he made it straight though this year. Last year, he was recalled.
“I feel like the most awarding part of the All-State process is that people realize how much work and effort I put into the audition material.”
Having been through it twice now, Burnett has a little perspective on the process.
“For someone who may be going through the All-State process, the one thing that I would recommend to do is not focus solely on getting in but just working as hard as you can on it. When audition day comes, you know you put in the work and effort, and so now all you have to do is go into the audition room with a smile and play your heart out. Try not to worry about what’s going to happen.”
Nora Davis – Alto II
After making the All-State Choir last year, junior Nora Davis said she felt some additional stress this time around.
“I definitely felt the pressure this year. A lot of it was self-inflicted because I wanted to make myself and others around me proud. I was incredibly nervous during the weeks leading up to auditions but being fortunate enough to have the opportunity last year, I was more aware of what the process would look like and how I could prepare myself and my quartet. I ultimately knew that no matter the outcome, the process is what would make me a stronger musician and person.”
The daughter of Randy and Kristi Davis, she was in a quartet with Katelyn Peck, Gabe Skyles and Cael Mess.
She made it straight through this year, although not having a recall created its own form of stress.
“The waiting process was very nerve racking though as you sit there for two or three hours just thinking about every decision and detail you made that day.”
Davis said she learned a lot from her first All-State experience and is ready to have that moment again.
“I think the most rewarding aspect is the community that comes from it. When you walk into the large rehearsal space you are sat next to people from all across Iowa. It is really a great experience to share a love for music and to come together for two days of magical work. Everyone can recognize that so much hard work and preparation was put in to get to this point but executing it and realizing that it’s the last time you’ll be in a space with these exact people singing these exact songs is really special.”
She had lots of thanks to give to the people who helped her along the way.
“I want to thank Ms. Kinza, Mr. Skyles, and Mrs. Potts for the hard work and dedication they put into this program. Thank you for all the support you have given me and helping me to become a stronger musician. I appreciate all you have done for me.
“Along with that, I’m very grateful to have received this honor and thankful for my family and friends’ encouragement throughout this process.”
Davis also had some advice for anyone thinking about going out for All-State in the future.
“Remember, like with most things in life, the effort, dedication, and commitment to the process pays off in the end.”
Rachel Eriksen – Soprano I
Senior Rachel Eriksen made the All-State Choir her sophomore year. After not being so lucky last year, she changed her approach for this year.
“I practiced much more this year than I did last year, which was definitely a good decision. Our quartet met about once or twice every day, Monday through Friday, to practice. It was a lot of work and a big commitment, but it paid off. Every minute of practice was worth it. Fortunately, I didn’t feel any pressure. After not being accepted into the All-State Choir last year, I knew my friends and family would still love me, no matter what happened this year.”
The daughter of Tom and Corrina Eriksen, she was in a quartet with Charlotte Madden, Grady Kirst and Kaden Timmerman. She made it straight through this year.
“The most rewarding part of the All-State process is feeling proud of yourself for pushing yourself to work harder than you thought you could. Everyone puts in a lot of effort, and you’re able to see yourself and your friends improve immensely, which is really cool.
“It’s definitely worth it to go through the All-State process. Even if you aren’t accepted into the All-State Choir, you still get so much better at singing just because of how much effort you put into the music. Plus, if you go through the All-State process, you might be accepted into the choir, and you will have a wonderful experience!”
Speaking of wonderful experiences, Eriksen said, “I’d like to thank all of my quartet members for being wonderful and fun people. You all made practicing so much fun, and I’m so happy I got to know all of you!”
Benjamin Lightle – Bass I
Senior Benjamin Lightle said that, while his approach to the All-State process didn’t change this year, there was some additional pressure after making the choir last year.
“I took the same approach, trying to prepare myself as well as possible while also trusting in Mrs. Potts and Mr. Skyles. It definitely felt like there was more pressure on me. I felt like if I didn’t make it this year, I would’ve let people down; even though I knew that no matter if you make it or not, the focus is on how much better you improve throughout the process.”
The son of Julie Lightle and Forest Lightle, his quartet also included Lauren White, Saeler VenHorst and Charlie Peterson.
“The most rewarding part of the All-State process is how close you grow with your quartet members and how much you improve. I now know the people in my quartet much better than if I had never gone through the All-State process, and I can truly say I’ve formed genuine connections with them.”
For musicians considering trying out for All-State in the future, he said, “Be prepared to commit yourself fully to All-State, and cherish the knowledge and experience that you gain through it.”
And he offered some special words of thanks.
“I would like to thank my family, friends, quartet, and God for their unwavering support throughout the process.”
Charlotte Madden – Alto II
Senior Charlotte Madden has had a bit of a rollercoaster experience with All-State. After making the choir as a sophomore, she was named an alternate last year. But she didn’t let that affect her efforts this time out.
“I think my mindset shifted each year as I had gone through the process multiple times. Going into this year my mindset truly was to have fun because it is my senior year and no matter what happens the results do not define me as a singer. I also grew really close with my quartet which made the process fun and enjoyable. I did not feel any crazy pressure because of last year; I knew whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen.”
The daughter of Scott and Mary Madden, her quartet included Rachel Eriksen, Grady Kirst and Kaden Timmerman. This year, she made it straight through.
Madden said the All-State process has allowed her to grow, both musically and personally.
“The most rewarding part of the process is how much you grow as a singer. From my first year auditioning to this year, I’ve felt my confidence grow and my mindset shift. I can say with great confidence this process really has changed my perspective in difficult situations and ways to grow when something isn’t working. Through early morning rehearsal to quartet bounding every second it worth it.”
As far as advice for future All-Staters, Madden said, “Go in with an open mind and be ready to work. This is a long process, and it is not always fun, but it is so rewarding. No matter the outcome you grow as a singer and a person. This process does not define you as a singer. Yet it can be such an amazing feeling to make it!”
And she had some special thanks, too.
“I want to thank Mrs. Potts and Mr. Skyles for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be. As well as my parents for their love and support through everything.”
Zach McMann- Trombone
Senior Zach McMann is no stranger to auditioning for honor bands. That doesn’t necessarily mean it gets easier, or that he’s any less hard on himself.
“I think I knew the level that I’d need to play at to get in the band, but that did not stop me from pushing myself to be as good as possible. I felt a little bit of pressure, put on by myself, but mainly I was just striving to have the opportunity to play in the band again. Having the braces off this year definitely made the process less daunting, and I was able to build more consistency. This gave me a lot more confidence going into auditions, and I was very excited to show what I’d prepared.”
The son of Mike and Christie McMann, he was recalled this year during his audition.
“It was definitely a crazy day. I was not happy with the way I played in my first audition, and I messed up a lot of stuff that had never been an issue before. Things truly change so much when you get in the room. I was very grateful to be recalled and was able to use my first audition as motivation. I grounded myself a lot better for my recall, did long tones before I went in the room in order to steady my breathing, and was much happier with how I played the second time around.”
McMann said he’s learned a lot from the audition process that makes his musicianship better.
“The most rewarding part of the process is when you start to add all the nuances in the music. The music comes alive after that and is a lot more fun to play. Striving to make it as musical as possible every single time you play it is a challenge, but is very rewarding and necessary in preparing for your audition.
“Consistency is more important than overall hours spent. If you can get close to an hour per day (and every day), then you’ll see your playing improve a lot. Getting into that mentality every single day and practicing the audition material leads to exponential improvement. Learn the notes and rhythms as quick as you can so you can get in on the stuff that makes the music personal and inspiring. Expression through dynamic contrast, tempo and articulation is what really sticks out to the judges – the more you can incorporate, the better! Just doing the audition process will make you a lot better, regardless of if you are accepted or not.”
With the auditions out of the way, he said he’s ready to celebrate with his fellow band members.
“I’m super excited to go back and play with the All-State Band with my friends, and I’m super proud of everyone who auditioned, accepted or not. It’s super great to see four North Scott kids getting in the band this year, and I’m excited to hang with them.”
Natalie Sierk – Soprano I
This will be junior Natalie Sierk’s second time heading to Ames for the All-State Festival. But this year’s auditioning experience was much different than last year.
“Ironically, I felt a lot less pressure this year than I did last year. I had the same drive and passion, but I’ve gained some knowledge and confidence that has helped keep me from doubting myself. Because of this, I was able to focus more on growth, rather than competition this time around.”
The daughter of Sara Sierk and Alex Sierk, she was in a quartet with Addalie Reese, Nolan Reese and Ben Hill. She was recalled this year.
“It can be challenging to maintain the right mindset during this process. Pressure from peers, comparison to others, and self-doubt can become very overwhelming at times. However, these past two years, I have learned to try to mainly concern myself with what I can control. It is easier said than done, but it makes for a healthier, happier experience.
“This year specifically, I had a great bond with my quartet, which made the whole process less stressful and much more fun. We pulled each other’s weight when necessary and collaborated very well.”
With her whole quartet headed to Ames, she added, “Thank you to everyone who has supported me through this process – family, friends, my quartet, directors and teachers.”
Gabriel Skyles – Tenor II
After making the All-State Choir last year, senior Gabriel Skyles knew what he needed to do to get there again.
“Last year’s experience made a noticeable difference in how I prepared this year. Knowing the audition process ahead of time helped ease my nerves and gave me a clearer sense of what to focus on. I practiced with my quartet more consistently and made a point to stay well-hydrated. I did feel more pressure this year, partly because I’m a senior and had made the choir before. I wanted to meet that standard again, especially since I feel I’ve grown a lot as a singer.”
The son of Paul and Jill Skyles, his quartet included Cael Mess, Nora Davis and Katelyn Peck. He made it straight through this year.
He said his mindset during the rehearsal process made a difference.
“I would tell anyone considering All-State to approach the music with focus and patience. Practicing with your quartet as if every rehearsal were the real audition makes a big difference. Taking the challenging sections slowly and working through them carefully is essential. Staying hydrated and taking care of your voice also matters more than people think. Above all, even when the process feels stressful, keeping calm and staying confident will carry you through.
“For me, the most rewarding part is getting to perform with some of the strongest singers in the state. The atmosphere is inspiring, and sharing the experience with friends makes it even more meaningful. The process is demanding, but the sense of accomplishment and the chance to be part of such a high-level ensemble make it incredibly worthwhile.
“I’d add that, even though the process can be challenging, it’s absolutely worthwhile. The experience is meaningful, memorable, and something I’m grateful to have been a part of.”
First-Timers
Benjamin Hill – Bass I
For junior Benjamin Hill, the process of making the All-State Choir was part of the reward.
The son of Kathy and Thomas Hill, he was in a quartet with Natalie Sierk, Nolan Reese and Addalie Reese.
“I loved the experience of rehearsing the music, practicing with my quartet, and auditioning in front of a judge. Equally as rewarding was the new friendships I got out of it. Before meeting my quartet, I really only knew Natalie. Now I am good friends with everyone else in my quartet.”
Hill said he came to school most mornings at around 7 a.m. to practice and worked on challenging parts of the music at home when he needed to. There were several weekend rehearsals with the quartet, too. “In addition to practicing the music as a group, we also just spent time having fun together, which I think helped us perform better as a quartet.”
On audition day, he didn’t get a recall, which led to “a long buildup of nervousness because the bass list was the last to drop. In addition to just naturally being nervous because I didn’t get a recall, I also already knew the rest of my quartet had gotten in. When it finally dropped, I quickly scanned the list for my name. At first, I didn’t see my name on the list, so I had to look back through. When I found my name, I was ecstatic, and I ran to find the rest of my quartet.”
He said for anyone considering auditioning for All-State, “Remember, the reward isn’t in making it; the reward is in the opportunity to improve your skills and make new friends.”
Grady Kirst – Tenor I
Junior Grady Kirst was in a quartet with Rachel Eriksen, Charlotte Madden and Kaden Timmerman. For better or for worse, the four of them had a few things in common.
“My quartet didn’t love the morning rehearsals, so it was very convenient that Rachel, Charlotte and I all had studio voice together, and Kaden had an open period during that class. So, we all used that time to work together and with Mrs. Potts. We also used our time in choir to practice together. We also hung out outside of class and rehearsals to bond and feel more comfortable around each other. This all helped us feel super confident going into the audition room.”
The son of Matt and Sue Kirst, he was recalled this year. He said the experience of the list dropping was unbelievable.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it, and I had to look at the list a few times to make sure my name was actually on the list. After not seeing my name on the list last year, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders this year. I immediately called my family and told them the news.”
He said the process has also made him a better musician.
“I have honestly learned so much, not only about myself, but about music, and the other people in my quartet. It has been crazy to hear recordings of myself from last year compared to how I sound now. I am so grateful for the opportunity to sing this music more and I can’t wait to attend the All-State Festival!”
Brooklyn Lacher – Alto I
For junior Brooklyn Lacher, All-State is something of a family affair. Her older sister, Ryenne, was a two-time All-Stater. She also had the opportunity to audition this year with her brother Hayden in her quartet.
The daughter of Niki and Drew Lacher, the rest of Brooklyn’s quartet included Marlayna Cockshoot and Behren Radech.
“It was long and tough to navigate for the first time, but once we got our quartets, I had a lot of fun singing and perfecting the music with them.
“There were many rewarding things from this process. The most rewarding part has to be being able to perfect the music. I appreciate how my quartet was able to focus on every little detail in the music. This process has changed the way I look at learning and perfecting music, which I know will really help me in the future.”
On audition day, she made it straight through and was spending time with friends when the moment of truth arrived.
“When the list dropped, my friends and I were taking a walk. When we heard that the list was about to drop, we immediately started going to the gym. As we walked in, we saw two long lists on the wall. I couldn’t see very many names because there were so many people trying to look, so I was so scared that I didn’t make it. I was still trying to look when my friend Charlotte yelled that she saw my name and I was so shocked I kept asking her if I really made it.”
Now that the shock has worn off and she’s headed for Ames, Lacher has plenty of thanks to go around.
“I want to thank my sister, Ryenne, for being so supportive through the whole process, even from college, my brother, Hayden, for working through notes with me at home, and my mom and dad for listening to me and Hayden sing as a duet in our living room late at night.”
Hayden Lacher – Tenor II
Freshman Hayden Lacher said the All-State process involved “a lot of early morning and a lot of singing at home.”
The son of Drew and Nikole Lacher, his quartet included sister Brooklyn, as well as Marlayna Cockshoot and Behren Radech.
He made it straight through this year and said the list drop led to a little stress.
“I remember scanning through the list and not seeing my name on it. My heart dropped, but luckily, I looked through the list again and found my name, and I was so excited!”
And he said all the hard work was worth it in the end.
“I think the skills I learned from the experience made it worthwhile.”
Paige McMann – Clarinet
Coming from a family of musicians, freshman Paige McMann was aware of the technical aspects of auditioning for All-State and prepared accordingly.
“My preparation became quite rigorous a few weeks before the audition day. I began practicing one to two hours each night. Working that hard for that amount of time wouldn’t have been possible without the intense motivation I felt. I envisioned myself on that accepted list, and that image alone forced myself to work so hard that I was finally able to feel proud.
“The audition process is something where you have to get out of your head. You can’t think about the outcome or mistakes. Your only thoughts can be, “how can I make this judge feel something?” or “how can I represent my hard work accurately?” That’s all. All it takes is hard work and that mindset.”
While the hard work paid off, McMann said the reality of learning she’d become an All-Stater was an overwhelming moment.
“The revealing of the clarinet list is always a pretty chaotic moment. While I was running to see it, I couldn’t really process anything. One minute, I saw my acceptance, and the next, I was crying. In that moment, it felt like the hard work was personified in all the people that hugged me and congratulated me. To those who grounded me throughout the entire process, I will always remember that, and I love them all so, so much.
“The most rewarding part, for me, are the moments you have during your audition when you nail a tricky section of the music — and the bus ride home, when all you feel is relief. In the days after, I kept getting these bursts of pure excitement; just knowing that I’m now an All-Stater was insane. I had always observed others, including my brother, in the band, but had never even thought about me joining them.”
Katelyn Peck – Soprano I
Junior Katelyn Peck was in a quartet with Nora Davis, Gabe Skyles and Cael Mess this year and she said they were great to work with.
“My quartet and I practiced so much. We took all the morning rehearsals that we could and even practiced after school. Mrs. Potts was such a great help during this time, too.”
The daughter of Sarah and Matt Peck, she was recalled, which she described as “super nerve racking, as I could only rely on myself to get in at that point. Positivity and faith are what got me through that part of the process.
“When the list dropped, I just had the face of utter shock. My mouth was wide open because I could not believe it. I had worked so hard over many years to get to this point, so it feels rewarding to share my passion with others.”
Still, Peck said she knows she couldn’t have achieved her All-State dream alone.
“My parents, quartet and Mrs. Potts were my biggest encouragers and helped me all the way to the audition day!”
Behren Radech – Bass II
While practice makes perfect, it can also make for some stress, said senior Behren Radech.
“There was lots of fine tuning as audition day came closer. It was stressful at times not knowing whether I was where I needed to be, and what sections needed the most attention. I made sure to always give what I could and use each rehearsal as time to get a step better than the day before.”
The son of Lucas and Brooke Radech, his quartet included Marlayna Cockshoot, Hayden Lacher and Brooklyn Lacher. He said working towards his All-State goals also led to self-improvement.
“The most rewarding part of the process was the connections and increased work ethic I developed along the way. Practicing was difficult and monotonous at times, and we had our good and bad days. Celebrating with my quartet and all my other friends made it an experience that I had been working towards for months and made the weeks of work well worth it.”
Radech made it straight through, and the bass list was the final reveal.
“The bass list was revealed last, so there was a lot of tension. When I saw my name, I was very proud and thankful that all the hard work that my group and I had put in was worth it.
“I’m very thankful and grateful for the hard work of my quartet and I’m very excited to share and create great memories at the festival and performance. Thank you, Mrs. Potts, for pushing us all towards this great achievement.”
Addalie Reese – Alto II
Junior Addalie Reese said she had a great experience with her quartet this year. The daughter of Daniel and Sena Reese, she auditioned with Natalie Sierk, Nolan Reese and Ben Hill.
“My quartet would meet super often, whether it was before school or at one of our houses. I honestly don’t think I could have asked for a better quartet. They were all so hard working, dedicated, and we were able to build really tight bonds with each other. It was so cool to go through the process with them; they were just so supportive.”
This year, she was recalled, which she said “was honestly more stressful for me than the actual audition, since there was one really difficult cut that I had never sung by myself. I was super shaky going into it.”
Then came the wait for the list to drop.
“I’m an Alto II, so my name would have been close to the very bottom. Everyone always crowds around the list like sardines in a can, so when it dropped, it probably took me a good five minutes to get to the front and see if I made it or not. I saw so many of my friends on the list, and I was so, so genuinely proud of them. When I finally saw my name, I think I just screamed. It’s something I’ve thought about for years, but I guess I never thought I would actually make it.”
While the process was a lot of hard work, Reese said it was ultimately incredibly fulfilling.
“For me, one of the best feelings in the world is knowing that you worked hard and did the best you could. When I didn’t make it last year, I couldn’t find it in me to be upset because I knew that I pushed myself and grew from the experience. I felt so much peace because I knew that I was not defined by making All-State, and that God’s love for me wouldn’t falter if I didn’t get a medal. The simple act of making All-State didn’t improve my character at all, but the work that I put in sure did.”
Nolan Reese – Tenor II
Senior Nolan Reese spent part of the summer working on his goal of making All-State this year.
“During the summer, I went to an All-State camp to get a head start on the music. I then went to the Wartburg camp as well. During the school year, my quartet and I were constantly working after school as we all had fairly busy schedules with other extracurricular activities. But we always made time to practice together.”
The son of Mike and Angie Reese, he was in a quartet with Natalie Sierk, Addalie Reese and Ben Hill.
“The most rewarding part of the process was the people around me. My quartet was an amazing group — we bonded every chance we got, and our connection grew stronger each time we were together. Having a group I could trust and lean on meant everything. And it didn’t stop there; seeing all the people who supported me and wanted me to succeed was incredibly rewarding. No matter how I performed at All-State, I knew people were there to support me regardless.”
The process also gave Reese time to reflect on his goals.
“In previous years, I hadn’t put in the work needed to earn such a high honor, and because of that, I struggled to reach my goal of becoming an All-Stater. I realized I needed to change my habits to get what I truly wanted. When the list finally dropped, I was worried that my hard work and dedication still wouldn’t be enough.”
After a recall and a long wait though, that hard work did pay off in the end. But Reese said he knows he couldn’t have done it alone.
“I want to thank my parents for always supporting me in everything I do. I also want to thank Mrs. Potts and Mr. Skyles for believing in me and giving me the extra push I always needed.”
Teagan Schmidt – French Horn
Last year, sophomore Teagan Schmidt was an alternate for the All-State Band. This year, she took what she learned from that experience and channeled it into her process.
The daughter of Tiffany and Tom Schmidt, she made it straight through this year.
“My preparation changed drastically this year. I remember last year playing for one of my directors, making a mistake and then continuing to play. My director told me afterward, ‘Why do you let yourself do that?’ and I used that moment to help me through this year’s preparation a lot. I made sure to fix every mistake I made, even though it was a lot of work and was pretty difficult. Being an alternate last year didn’t really put a lot of pressure on me; rather it just helped me to work harder so I didn’t have to be an alternate this year.”
In addition to making the band, she said she was also able to notice her progress through the process, which she said was rewarding.
“After spending a lot of time practicing, the best thing is to remember when you started and then how much better you sound afterward. Even when one practice session didn’t sound the way I wanted it to, it helped me to remember how much I had improved along the way, rather than just how much I’d improved in that one practice session. Knowing how much progress I make with my playing through the All-State process is the most rewarding part for me.”
She said her advice to anyone considering auditioning for All-State is “just put yourself out there. Practice and work hard even when you don’t want to. It’s always worth it in the end to know that you kept going, even though there might have been some things that were difficult and just made you want to give up. It’s always so fulfilling to know that all that hard work paid off. Even if the end result isn’t what you want, it’s still good to put yourself out there, because you’ll always gain something out of it – whether it be improving a ton on your instrument, or just learning something along the way.
“If you have anyone in your life that auditioned for All-State, you should let them know you’re proud of them, regardless of the result,” she added. “A lot of great people should know that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!”
Saeler VenHorst – Alto II
While this isn’t junior Saeler VenHorst’s first time auditioning for All-State, it is her first time making the choir. But she’s perfectly OK with that.
“I think the most rewarding part is knowing that I’ve worked years for this and my dream finally came true. It’s unfortunate I didn’t make it last year too, but it was all in God’s timing! I’ve also always dreamt of the little things that come with making it, like having a section in the newspaper like this, or having a medal around my neck at the concerts throughout the year. This truly means the world to me.”
The daughter of Jennifer and Matt VenHorst, she was in a quartet with Lauren White, Charlie Peterson and Ben Lightle.
“The preparation process was very long. It was definitely tiring, but I do think the music was harder this year than it was last year, so I had to work twice as hard. This process really started all the way back in August, so these months are definitely long, with plenty of 7 a.m. rehearsals. There were also plenty of days when we had intervention together, or just days I would spend looking at the music or listening to the recordings on the drive to and from school.”
She was recalled this year, but that wasn’t as stressful as waiting for the list to drop.
“The list dropping is probably one of the most nerve-racking things ever, so when it dropped this year, I was concerned that it was going to be the same result as last year. People who never experience the list dropping wouldn’t get it, but it truly is terrifying!”
And now, with her dream realized, VenHorst can also look back with fondness on the process.
“I love the bonds that each quartet creates through the weeks or months you are together, and it was so much fun this year!”
Zachary Wiese – Tenor II
Sophomore Zachary Wiese was in a quartet with Jack McCarthy, Bella Suarez and Riley Debourcey this year.
“During the preparation process, my quartet and I probably spent 30 minutes most days working on our parts and blending our sound as a quartet. After the All-State camp in August, I spent time going through all of the music and practicing it every day.”
The son of Scott and Stephanie Wiese, audition day was a long one for him.
“I was recalled, and I was the second to last tenor to go in for the recall.”
And when the list dropped and he found his name, Wiese said he “sort of blacked out for a second. It was mind blowing that all my hard work over the years has finally paid off at All-State, because I have been doing choir since fifth and sixth grade.
“The most rewarding part about making All-State to me is knowing that my effort has shown through the results. This was one thing I truly wanted to happen for me, so I made it happen.”
Alternate
Charlie Peterson – Tenor I
Although junior Charlie Peterson made the All-State Choir last year, he’s pretty sure being an alternate this year is OK, too.
“The most rewarding part of the All-State process was to get the opportunity to get recalled for the first time and be able to perform to the best of my abilities and to be rewarded for it. It was rewarding because I was working really hard since August and the work paid off.
“When I saw that I was an alternate I was obviously a little disappointed because I made it straight through last year, but then I realized that it is still a super good honor, and I ended up being really proud of myself for making it as an alternate. When I first looked at the list, I didn’t see my name right away but then I looked down and saw that my name was listed as an alternate and I was really happy, and I went to celebrate with the other people that made it.”
The son of Wendy Peterson and Brian Peterson, his quartet included Lauren White, Ben Lightle and Saeler VenHorst.
“I want to thank all the people in the quartet because those are the people that I always worked hard with, and we all did the best we could in auditions, and I believe that I made it because of them. I also want to thank Mrs. Potts and Mr. Skyles for always believing in me and giving me this opportunity to be able to be a part of this great process and always giving me the best advice to have the best audition.”
And he offered some advice for future All-Staters.
“Even though it is tough to have to work really hard at 7 in the morning and having to work hard at home to try to learn the music, know that all this hard work is worth it and it is the most rewarding and best feeling when you make it. I would tell people to give it a chance and try out because once it is done you will be really proud that you tried it out and even if you make it or not it is still a really rewarding feeling.”