All-State Music happens once every year. High school performers all around the state practice for months in hopes of becoming part of the band, orchestra, or choir. Groups only have two days to work together before the concert. Nevertheless, their talent, hard work, and dedication always result in spectacular performances.

This year, Powell High School had a total of 11 musicians selected for All-State. Senior Curtis Muecke, junior Austin Sears, junior Memphis Solberg, senior Justin Dusenberry, and junior Lilly Pittman were accepted into the band. Sophomore Kaylee Haris, senior Levi Hawley, senior Lane Coble, and senior Natalie Black were accepted into choir. Sophomore Aubrey Kelley and Freshman Hayden Peters were chosen to participate in the orchestra.

The choir performed six songs: “Swilo Yini,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Sing Unto God,” “Ritmo,” “Flight,” and “Sign Me Up.” They sang well and learned some tips and tricks to further perfect their voices.

“Blending my voice was tricky to keep it from standing out in a group I’ve never worked with before,” senior Natalie Black said. “I loved the music we did. The arranger of ‘Sign Me Up’ was actually there as a keynote speaker and came and watched us perform his song before the concert. I learned some tricks on improving breath control, but they involved laying on the floor and doing sit-ups, so I don’t know if I’ll utilize them.”

The band performed five songs: “Amparito Roca,” “Breath of the Mountains,” “2nd suite in F,” “Sleep,” and “Until the Scars.” Despite having a new director who conducted with a different style than what the band was used to, their experience helped the band members better themselves as performers.

“The music for All State Band was released on September 1st,” junior Memphis Solberg said. “Auditions were on November 11th in Cody. I was able to practice for about two months. We were notified if we made All-State on December 8th, and we received the sheet music for the concert on Dec 15th. The conductor was very good, but was hard to get used to at first. Every conductor does it differently. My favorite part was that the music was fun to play. I feel like playing the more difficult songs helped me become a better player in general.”

The orchestra played three songs: “Ethiopia’s Shadow in America,” “Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 Finale,” and “Little Russian.” They had to persevere in working with new people. Despite such a small window to learn the songs, all the songs were excellently executed. 

“The performance was very fulfilling,” Aubrey Kelly said. “To have worked so hard for so long and then to perform with some of the best musicians in Wyoming, I learned a lot. I honestly didn’t want to do it, but Mr. Fabela encouraged me. I really wanted to prove myself that I could get in. I also wanted to play with all the amazing musicians.”  

All-State isn’t just about making great music; it’s also about overcoming obstacles. Working with new people can be difficult. Yet in working with new people and a new director, students learned they are talented enough to push through to get anywhere in life.

“Suprisingly, my Soprano 1 section was amazing,” sophomore Kaylee Harris said. “They all had unique voices, and they blended beautifully. I think the hardest part was getting comfortable with each other. My favorite part about All-State was the experience, lots of great people, and … new life lessons and inspiration. I learned how to bring emotion and life into my singing.”

Earning a spot All-State is a lot of work and takes a lot of time, as well as an immense amount of effort to prepare. Yet, the outcome is a true masterpiece that proves what a great experience All-State is for everyone involved.

“Percussion is different than the rest of the instruments,” junior Austin Sears said. “We have to prepare three different A-tunes, one on the snake drum, one on mallet, and one on timpani. We also have to learn two scales and the chromatic scale, then we demonstrate a double stroke roll on a snare drum. I liked the repertoire the director picked out. I also don’t get a lot of opportunity to hang out with other great percussionists in the state at that level.”

All-State is a great place to grow musical abilities and techniques. It gives high schoolers the chance to be around others who want to perfect their musical craft

“My favorite part about being in the All-State Band is the final performance,” junior Lilly Pittman said. “Although preparing for the concert in itself is not the most ideal way to spend my day, the hours of practice, setbacks, and chapped lips are all worth it in the end. You’re surrounded by students who care, who want to be there, and are willing to put in the work to accomplish an extraordinary performance. Together, as a band, the music we made was outstanding and beautiful, an experience I will never forget. I am so grateful to have this opportunity, and that we were able to put on a magnificent show for people from all around the state, who come together to celebrate and create music.”