Opinion: Student selected to all-state choir hopes it escapes the effects of lockdown

Hannah Mumpower | @Hlmump01

Two weeks ago I got the news that I, along with sophomore Sarah Vanstory, had made the Kansas Choral Directors Association 2020 All-State Treble Choir.

I was super excited at first. It is such a huge accomplishment. Only about 75 high school girls across the entire state of Kansas get into the choir each summer, and this is the second year for both Sarah and I to make it. I made it my sophomore year, and Sarah made it last year.

In order to audition for the choir, we had to send in an audio recording of ourselves singing a pre-chosen selection of music. Since we were chosen to be in the choir, we will receive a packet of music to learn before the workshop. At the workshop we will have the opportunity to learn new skills and perform under the direction of accomplished directors.

Both times I made the choir with the help of Mrs. Yocum. She has always gone the extra mile to help me with my music and has been working with me since Kindergarten. I owe a lot of what I do to her and I really appreciate it. She helped me practice, record and submit my applications, and I’m super thankful for that. 

The workshop is set for July 9-10 with a performance taking place that Friday evening at Topeka Grace Episcopal Cathedral. The time of the concert is unknown at this time.

Sarah and I both believe that being in the choir is such a big honor. It’s wonderful to be a couple of the very few girls in the state that get the chance to perform with some of the best from all over. We are both looking forward to learning some new skills and performing with girls who have the same passion for music that we do. 

Making the choir my sophomore year was one of the most fun experiences I have had and I’m so excited to have a chance to do it again. It isn’t every day that you get to be a part of a choir of that size and skill. Every one of the girls there deserve to be there and are really, really good. 

I’m looking forward to it a great deal since a lot of my other ‘senior lasts’ have been cancelled. I am still very hopeful that the stay at home orders will be lifted by that time so I can enjoy one last thing in high school.