The Greeley West High School choir students have showcased their exceptional talent by auditioning and making it to the prestigious All-State Choir that will be held in January. This annual event brings together the most talented high school vocalists from all over Colorado and the ones selected get to showcase their advanced choral skills under the direction of esteemed conductors. Five choir students earned a spot in the All-State Choir: Senior Kennedy Ader, Senior Sarah Arscot, Junior Fatima Lone, and Junior Harrison Barrnett.
This event is a culmination of several months of hard work from these students getting prepared for the rigorous audition process. The selected students attended intensive rehearsals before, after and during lunches where they refined their vocal techniques. “Originally I didn’t want to audition for All-State but my teacher Ms O’connor was really like lets do it, and at least if you try it’s a good opportunity to grow as a singer and to grow as a person with sight reading,” mentioned Arscot.
Choir teacher Rosie O’Connor encouraged several of her students to attempt to audition because it really helps her students grow in their skills in singing. “If they make it, they also get to experience a level of music-making that is incredibly unique to All-State festivals. When I made All-State choir in high school, it was one of my fondest memories of high school choir. I want to present these opportunities for all of my students as well,” said O’Connor.
She is very proud of the students who auditioned and even more thrilled for those who happened to get selected.
“There’s two parts of the audition process and the first part is fifty percent and it’s a solo and you just sing a song and the second part is a bunch of skills like singing triad and working on sight reading and rhythmic reading,” mentioned Lone.
The success of West students getting selected for All-State Choir is a reflection of the school’s strong music program and the support of their teacher and the community. Their achievements not only bring pride to the Spartan community but also highlights the importance of arts in education and fostering talent and creativity among young individuals.
