After months of weekly lessons, rehearsal and dedication, senior Raima Choudhary sings her heart out in the audition room and steps out a two time All-State qualifier.
The Texas Music Educators Association, TMEA, hosts the competition. To achieve all-state, students have to make it through four rounds starting in September which last until January.
“Thousands and thousands of students compete throughout the state,” choir teacher Tracy Bradstreet said. “Achieving all-state is the mountain top, it’s the hardest thing that they can do.”
During Choudhary’s first year of competing she only made it to the first round, and in her sophomore year she made it through to the second. Now that she’s successfully made it through all four she has insight on how to handle the pressure of competition.
“It’s a lot of hard work and I think a lot of people make it so complicated in their heads.” Choudhary said. “I see a lot of people when I go for the auditions say, ‘oh I haven’t drank milk in four days’, trying to preserve their voices which is great, but I feel like when you do all that stuff it’s way more stressful to do well. So I think take it easy and whatever happens is for the best.”
In preparation for the competition, singers have to prepare three songs for each round. Music is released the summer prior so students like Choudhary can get a head start in order to put their best foot forward.
“This year I decided to enroll in a summer program since competing can be really stressful,” Choudhary said. “I also have a private voice lesson teacher which really helps. I have a class with her every week so leading up to the competition I have at least three to four classes with her and then I sing for Mrs. Bradstreet once or twice before we audition.”
Following months of hard work and success from students around the state, TMEA holds a convention where the All-State qualifiers showcase their talents together.
“The best of all the high schools in Texas all come to San Antonio for State,” Choudhary said. “Everyone around Texas that made it to all-state sing together in a choir. We perform the treble audition pieces along with new songs and we have a whole concert.”
Events, performances and lots of school work can become stressful but Choudhary makes it work.
“I’m so passionate about choir that it’s easy to make time for it,” Choudhary said. “Of course school can take so much time especially with college applications and IB deadlines but because I’m so passionate about it I make time for it.”
Through her accomplishments and dedication her growth from freshman year to senior year as a singer has truly shown.
“Raima has put hours upon hours of work and her voice has gotten a whole lot stronger and more musical.” Bradstreet said.
As the end of the school year approaches Choudhary finds herself reminiscing about what she’ll miss about the competition.
“I feel like it won’t hit me that it’s over until I get to college and don’t have any music to prepare.” Choudhary said, “I don’t think there’s many competitions or UILs in college, but hopefully there’s something I can join so I can continue my passion for singing.”
