The Olympics Of Singing: All-State Results!

I want to highlight the accomplishments of three of my singers in high school: Emma G., Craig S., and Zach B.  Last Saturday, both Emma and Craig made an All-State Choir and Zach came in as a first alternate.  This is an incredible achievement.  The All-State singers are the "best of the best" from area high school choirs, and every vocalist that makes a State choir is a great musician. 

I call the All-State process the Olympics of Singing because the length of the process is similar to the Olympics.  Like most Olympian athletes, All-State singers start preparing for this one audition months in advance (the three singers I've listed have taken year-round voice lessons since their freshman year).  They have spent evenings after school in rehearsals trying to master every millisecond of the music.  And at the end, they get one chance to show their talent.  All that hard work is boiled down to a four minute audition, and just like the Olympics, a small, seemingly insignificant mistake can cost you a medal.  And cruelly, a huge element of luck plays a role: judging singers is very subjective, and you have no control over who hears you and whether they like your voice.

That these singers made it through four auditions, ranking in the top of their voice type along their way is a testament to these singers' stamina, musicality and fortitude.  It is an achievement and experience they will never forget, and the lessons they learned from the process will serve them through their lives, regardless of whether they go into music as a career or not

A great singer doesn't just learn how to sing pitches correctly.  If that is all I do a voice teacher, than I have failed my student.  A great singer learns many skills, all of which translate into any career field.  The ability to work well with others; to be musical and communicate well, an incredible work-ethic and single-minded focus on a goal, and a willingness to accept and learn from tough criticism.

Later in the month, Craig will start his college audition tour.  Emma and Zach are both sophomores (!) who have two more years to impress choir directors across Texas with their beautiful voices and musicals.  And I've got several more fine young singers who I am confident will be joining them in All-State next year.  It's a good day to be a voice teacher!

DWS