13 students to audition for all-state choir

Callie Boren, Fall Co-Editor-in-Chief|December 8, 2016

Sophomore Krissy Niles practices the music assigned to the area audition in the choir room during activity period.

The 13 students who made the pre-area choir will advance to the area audition Jan. 6. The area audition will determine the Texas Music Educator’s Association All-State Choir.

Students began the state audition process in September with district auditions. The students who made the district choir advanced to region auditions in October, and the students who made the region choir advanced to pre-area auditions Dec. 1. The area audition will complete the process, and the top voices will be named to the All-State Choir. Junior Nathan Solomon said he did not expect to do well at the most recent audition after organizational problems prevented him from auditioning until 11:30 p.m.

“The last time I had sung was about eight hours before, so I had no idea what to expect,” Solomon said. “I did what I had practiced before, but during my audition my voice was very raspy from it being tired. So basically I prayed the judges would enjoy my raspy voice.”

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The biggest thing this process has taught me is to work hard no matter what.

— Christian Theiss, 12

This year, the pre-area audition modeled the state audition. Students performed a part from each of the three audition songs, immediately followed by sightreading, which consists of students reading a line of music they have never seen. After auditions, the judges rank the competitors by chairs, and the top five chairs from each voice part advanced to the area audition. Solomon was named fourth chair in the Bass I section.

“I was shocked at first, but then I was very excited that I get to keep competing,” Solomon said. “Next is the state audition, and I am very excited.”

Although auditions do not start until September, some students receive their music and begin learning it as early as June. Many colleges offer all-state choir camps during the summer where students spend a few days studying the music intensively. Senior Christian Theiss said he used every means of help available.

“I prepared for the audition by learning the music, working on stylistic improvements, working on having a free and clear voice, and going to the clinics Mr. Farren and Mrs. Harter had for us,” Theiss said. “I have put in more work and time than I have in previous years since this is my last time to do this process.”

Theiss said the most effective way to learn so much music so quickly is to work with choir director Brandon Farren, who offers one-on-one rehearsal time and sectionals to help students prepare.

“We are also lucky to have Mr. Farren and his talent and determination to be great,” Theiss said. “He continues to break boundaries, and I am so honored to be in his program.”

Theiss said although he initially participated in all-state auditions to improve his skills as a musician, he has learned other valuable lessons through the process.

“The biggest thing this process has taught me is to work hard no matter what,” Theiss said. “There are plenty of people more talented than I am, but I know if I out work them I will get further.”

Students advancing from pre-area choir auditions include