This past October, Hampton, Iowa, was filled with hundreds of high school students auditioning for this year’s All State Music Festival. The day-long audition process gives students the opportunity to showcase their individual talents and range in front of a panel of judges for categories such as piano, vocal, woodwind, brass, string, and percussion. During these auditions, students perform designated sections of sheet music and complete category specific exercises.
According to Zac Clark, bass trombone player, auditioning is a great experience for students which help them to compete with themselves and their own progress.
“It’s super cool I made it last year, so it wasn’t very nerve wracking this year,” said Clark. “The whole auditioning process is fun!”
After the auditions, students receive their rating from the judges and are notified if they’ve been selected to participate in the All State Band, Orchestra, and/or Choir at the All State Music Festival November 17-19, 2022 in Ames, Iowa at the Hilton Coliseum.
For cellist Olivia Sinclair, this marks her third year being selected for the All State Orchestra. She says no matter if it’s your first or your fourth year auditioning, students should always try out.
“I made it my freshman year, and then I didn’t my sophomore year, but then now I’ve made it both my junior and senior years,” said Sinclair. “It’s a good chance for you to get to know yourself and how you deal with pressure and how you perform under pressure.”
The music instructors at both East and West help students prepare one-on-one before the competition, offering insights and advice throughout the fall to this year’s competitors.
“Mrs. Smith sets aside so much time for you,” said saxophone player, Brayden Pederson. “Its a two way street, because if you don’t put the work into the band, the band won’t put the work into you.”
All of this year’s All State participants put in the work this year. Congratulations to the following high school students who were selected to participate in the All State Band and Orchestra.
All State Band
- Zac Clark, Junior, Bass Trombone
- Gabby Burton, Flute, Junior (Alternate)
- Brayden Pederson, Junior, Baritone Saxophone (Alternate)
All State Orchestra
- Olivia Sinclair, Cello, Senior
- Esther Shin, Violin, Freshman
