By Isabel Costian

Choir students stood in front of judges who would determine who would move on to the next round at the All-Region auditions.

“We were overwhelmed with joy,” junior Dylan Kirk, Tenor 2 who placed fourth, said. “Everyone who made it was well-deserving, and I’m so happy for us all.”

Many of the students made the All-Region choir, including senior Griffin Camacho who sings Bass 2. Camacho placed first in his section for the second time in a row.

“I think it’s a great honor,” Camacho said. “I’m very happy that I get to represent the RHS choir.”

Although many were selected for the All-Region choir, only a few students, including sophomore Bethany Jelinek, were chosen to advance to the second round.

“When I found out I made the top 10 I was absolutely thrilled,” Jelinek said. “It was such a surprise, and I am so excited to continue working.”

The students had to attend a week-long summer camp go through a mock audition and practice daily, but the singers said it made them stronger.

“All-Region is a great experience that gives many potential opportunities,” Jelinek said. “The competitive spirit is pretty exhilarating as well.”

Even students who didn’t audition noticed their peers preparing for the big day, and a few said they aspire to do the same someday.

“I think the people trying out are really brave for auditioning,” freshman choir student Jackie Patton said. “If they made it, that’s wonderful. If they didn’t, they just have to keep trying.”

Chamber Orchestra students also participated in the annual All-Region competition this past Saturday. This year 13 students advanced and were placed into the TMEA Region 3 orchestra.

“Although we only have 5 small excerpts to play, these excerpts require weeks and weeks to prepare,” senior violist Shraddha Bista said. “The countless hours spent practicing are worth it after making into region because you get to perform with other musicians with the same level of skill as you.”

Every year an average of 10 to 15 kids make All-Region. This year 13 students made All-Region.

“This year the majority of our orchestra has been freshman, and I am extremely proud to see that even with such young orchestra, we are able to stay consistent with the amount of people who make All-Region,” Chamber Orchestra director Sara Long said.

Students who have placed in All-Region also have the option of auditioning for the All-State Orchestra and compete against musicians from across the whole state.

“Once my placement in the All-Region Orchestra was announced, I immediately concentrated only on my practice for All-State,” senior violinist Lily Steiner said. “In the coming week, my All-State preparation will consist of tedious practice sessions to ensure intonation, rhythm and musicality (dynamics, style).”

The following are the results for All-Region Choir and All-Region Orchestra.

Choir:

Griffin Camacho 1st Chair, Bass 2, Senior
Dylan Kirk 4th Chair, Tenor 2
Becca Davis 7th Chair, Alto 1
Bethany Jelinek 10th Chair, Soprano 2
Shylie Miller 11th Chair, Soprano 2
Joe Muir 11th Chair, Bass 1
Maggie Herrick 12th Chair, Soprano 1
Robin Thomas 12th Chair, Alto 1

All-Region Treble Choir:

Ashlyn Howell 8th Chair, Alto 2
Libby Kraemer 11th Chair, Soprano 2
Chelsea Blocker Alternate, Alto 2

Violin:

Lilly Steiner 9th Chair, Senior
Emily Chen 14th Chair, Sophomore
Ellie Randolph 18th Chair, Sophomore
Delaney Martin 20th Chair, Sophomore
Parker Thoman 36th Chair, Sophomore
Randy Liu 40th Chair, Sophomore

Viola:

Christopher Sykora 6th Chair, Junior
Shraddha Bista 9th Chair, Senior
Jacob Flanders 11th Chair, Senior

Cello:

Brian Le 14th Chair, Freshman

Bass:

Drew Daniels 3rd Chair, Senior
Mason Poirier 1st Alternate, Junior
Isabelle Geoffrion 2nd Alternate, Sophomore