Excitement levels are high for four lucky members of choir.

Several members of choir were happy to find out their auditions went well when they got the news of their advancement to All-State.

All-State is an important milestone in any choir member’s career. Matthew Brown, Kaleigh Foster, Brittany Hopper and Joey Byrd were ecstatic to find out that they made it for this school year. Both their fellow choir members and them have high hopes for their future performances, despite potential nerves.

Many of Bullitt East’s choir members try out for All-State every year, but a few percentage make it. The competition is tough, and preparing for the honor takes a lot of dedication. Auditioners go through a three part process: singing in a quartet, singing solo and then finish off with a sight reading.

Many choir members find sight reading difficult, in and out of the audition room. Sight reading consists of receiving a sheet of music you’ve never seen before, memorizing it to the best of your ability in a set time and then performing what you remember.  “I felt very relieved [when I found out I made it]… I let my nerves get to me during sight reading,” said senior Joey Byrd.

For the quartet portion, the auditioners sung a German song, titled Abendfriede. All members of choir had their fair share of practice time with the song in class, as well as a performance in front of a live audience at their first concert in October. “By the time I went in for the audition I felt like I knew the song like the back of my hand,” said sophomore Devon Price.

Some members even got the chance for extra practice in September, attending a field trip to the University of Louisville to meet with the school’s choir director and practice the song for the entirety of the day.

The four who did make it knew it was an important audition, “I️ really wanted to see if I️ was good enough to make it,” said junior Matthew Brown.

Choir members who didn’t make it felt that the auditions were just as challenging. “I was very surprised at how difficult the auditions were; I’m definitely super proud and impressed with everyone who made it,” said Price.

Everyone who made it was extremely excited upon hearing the news. “I’ve worked my butt off to get this,” said senior Kaleigh Foster. As mentioned, only a few people make it to state each year, so it isn’t something taken lightly among choir.

Family and friends of the four were also very happy. “My family and friends have always been so supportive of my love for music, so they were all very excited and proud,” said Byrd.

Byrd was especially excited to find out he made it. This year, a friend of his from another school in the district also made it, so they get the chance to participate along side each other at state. Brown also held a special importance in his advancement. While his brother was in high school he got the chance to sing at All-State, so Brown wanted to carry on the tradition.

Many noted the role Carrie Gary, the choir director, has played in their growth as a singer. “I can honestly say I wouldn’t be anywhere without her,” said Byrd. Byrd is in both advanced choir and Gary’s vocal technique class, so he gets the chance to spend a lot of time perfecting his talent.

As the four who advanced begin to prepare for All-State, they noted that keeping focused in class is important to stay on track until then.

Even though excitement levels are high, so is nervousness. Senior Brittany Hopper is especially nervous, because for All-State she is an alto, even though her normal vocal part is a tenor. “Female tenors are pretty rare,” said Hopper.

Brown is also worried about his ability to sing as well as the others who made it. “I am nervous to see if I can keep up with their musical talent and ability,” said Brown.

All-State will take place in February. It is three days long, and singers will get to stay and practice at the Galt House in Louisville.