Six choir members will be moving onto the state level and competing to get a spot in the All State Choir after performing their solo and ensemble contest songs at Independence High on Feb. 3. Students sang songs ranging in difficulty levels from one to three, and in a variety of different languages; they were scored on a rating of one through five.
Students had to choose their song, practice in and out of school for months, and refine it prior to the contest, something sophomore Aiza Virani really enjoyed.
“The process was actually really exciting,” Virani said. “I got to pick a piece of music I resonated with and that I felt most comfortable with and practiced until I felt confident with the song.”
Choir director Tracy Bradstreet was able to aid the students in their learning and overall performance of their music.
“I help them by making sure they have practice tracks to practice with at home and work with them individually as needed,” Bradstreet said. “Our accompanist pulls out students during class to run through the solos and make sure they are prepared.”
The day of the contest, students were sure their performances were adjusted based on critiques they had received from Bradstreet.
Some students also take music lessons and receive additional feedback from those teachers.
“While going into the contest, I thought about all the hard work I would need to put into my piece if I wanted to succeed,” sophomore Raima Choudhary said. “It isn’t easy, especially if you’re doing a piece that’s an one and a different language, to master.”
Students who received a ‘superior’ rating (equivalent to a one) and performed the hardest level music are now able to compete at the state level for a chance to make it into the All State Choir.
“When I found out I made it to the next level, I was so proud of my hard work and was excited to start on new music,” Virani said.
Like Virani, Bradstreet was very pleased with the results and was happy to see such a high number of people receive ‘superior’ ratings and move on to the next level.
“I was very proud of all of our students,” Bradstreet said. “Singing for a judge individually or in a small group is not easy, and I am proud of them for putting themselves out there.”
Students are now preparing for the next level which is held in Austin on May 25 and 27 . They will be singing the same song, but for a new group of judges.
“The next level is going to be judged by college professors and known to be notoriously critical,” Choudhary said. “I am excited to challenge myself in something I am very passionate about.”
