Nine LHS students were selected to perform at the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) All-State Festival in Peoria, IL on Jan. 27, 2012.
Students from all over the state auditioned to be a part of a prestigious group of talented young musicians. The audition process allows students to be first selected to the All-District Band, Choir, and Orchestra, and then some of those students are chosen to be a part of the All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra.
On average, around 50 to 60 students from LHS audition for All-State. This year, nine students were selected.
Diana Grote (11), Taylor Isberg (11), Luke San (12), Clayton Kullander (12), and Laura Andrew (11) were selected for the All-State Band. Ingrid Reid (11) was selected to the All-State Orchestra. Selectees to the All-State Choir were Audrey Johnston (12), Camille Michelotti (11), and Matt Tassler (12).
Senior Matt Tassler was extremely excited to be selected in his final year at LHS.
“I went into the audition with high hopes because I made All-District Choir as a junior, but it was still such a shock when I found out,” said Tassler.
In order to prepare for his audition, Tassler practiced his audition music consistently, both at home and at school.
“I came to the practice rooms and listened to a recording of my part,” said Tassler. “I practiced 30 minutes a day at home and during my lunch period at school.”
Compared to his audition experience last year, Tassler said that he was more confident as a senior.
“I was able to focus entirely [on my audition] rather than thinking of what the judges thought of me,” said Tassler.
Junior Diana Grote was selected to play the tuba in the All-State band.
“It’s a big honor to make All-State as a junior,” said Grote. “I’m really thankful to have the chance to play in an orchestra with so many amazing musicians.”
Grote spent a large amount of time practicing her music due to the level of difficulty of her pieces.
“It took a lot of work before I could play [the songs] at a level I was happy with,” said Grote.
Next year, Grote will have another opportunity to audition for All-State.
“I’m just really happy to have this opportunity this year, and if I get the chance to participate again next year, that’s fantastic,” said Grote.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to audition for the All-State Orchestra, whereas only juniors and seniors have the opportunity to audition for the All-State Band and All-State Choir.
The auditions were held at LHS on Oct. 4, 2011, but the process varies depending on what musical group a student auditions for.
“The choir auditions are done live in quartets, the band auditions are done live but by individuals, and the orchestra auditions are recorded beforehand,” said LHS Fine Arts Director and band conductor Dustin Helvie.
Though there are two levels that students can reach, All-District and All-State, there is only one audition. After the auditions, students are selected to perform in the All-District musical groups in November. Right before winter break, the selectees for the All-State musical groups are announced.
As the new Fine Arts Director, Helvie played a different part during auditions than he had done previously. In past years, Helvie only helped with certain duties, such as preparing and cleaning rooms, but now Helvie plays a role in the organization of the event.
“I placed music stands, made sure the runners knew what to do, communicated with Dr. Brown (LHS Choir director) in terms of what he needed, and put the rooms put back in place,” said Helvie.