Only the best singers in the state qualify for the All-State Treble Choir, a prestigious group for which only the best audition. To secure a spot in this group, contestants must first audition continuously for six months before receiving results.
After thousands of hours of practicing, giving up time with their loved ones, and thanks to their passion for music, Lauren Son, Grace Gamel, and Avery Lindsay successfully achieved their goal of joining the All-State Choir.
Since she was three years old, Son has been passionate about music. She began her singing journey at a Korean-American choir, then joined the school choir, and eventually made it to varsity—these are just some of the big stepping stones on her journey to All-State. Though it’s not as easy as it seems, it took Lauren about three years to accomplish this goal, but her passion has never wavered since.
“I auditioned for everything I could and practiced for everything, even if I thought it was kind of stupid,” Son said. “I put my all in everything because that’s the only way that helped me learn a lot.”
Even though she often practices and focuses on music, she managed to balance her time between academics and music. Impressively, she has taken all AP classes throughout her high school career and is part of the Chorale and Sensational choirs that have constant, strict, and late practices.
“I’m proud of how much I’ve grown throughout the process and my years in high school,” Son said. “I’ve grown a lot of work ethic and learned how to take criticism.”
Another outstanding, talented, and musically passionate performer is Grace Gamel. Her love for music started when she was eight years old, and her connection to it has developed since then. After endless hours of studying, working, and practicing for three years toward her high school career goal, Gamel has finally secured a spot in the All-State choir.
“I’m passionate about music because it channels a lot of connection and human emotion that I [don’t think] can be expressed in many other ways,” Gamel said. “So, I can especially express myself.”
In addition to her current achievements in choir, Gamel has a musical future planned. Considering her talent and passion for music, she has decided to enhance her gifts throughout her college career.
“I plan to study vocal performance in college and go into the opera world,” Gamel said. “I decided that because I felt like that’s kind of where most of my gifts lie and … that it will be a track … I’ll [enjoy].”
Despite the hardships of getting a spot in the All-State treble choir, applicants can still get to the second-highest choir in their careers. The All-State women’s choir allows the young female singers to perform, and enhance their voices. These spots are given to the applicants who almost made it to the All-State mixed choir and showcased an outstanding and impeccable performance.
Avery Lindsay is a member of the varsity choir and the ASL honor society. She also trains and works in martial arts and is involved in the Mary Poppins musical. Her involvement in various extracurriculars, both inside and outside of school, keeps her motivated and allows her to grow her skills.
“This year since I made the treble All-State choir [and] next year, I’d like to make the mixed All-State choir,” Lindsey said. “ I just wanna do a great job, and not only at singing but also pursue acting and dancing for the rest of the semester.”
For All-State, the process requires extensive time outside of school and at home, a practice room after school, and a lot of waiting. But regardless of the waiting, the feeling of moving to the next stage is rewarding.
“It was tough at the moment because you didn’t know if you were gonna get the desired result, so it’s mentally challenging,” Lindsey said. “It’s the most difficult process I’ve done, but I think it is one of the most rewarding as well.”
