On October 20th, 45 MCHS students arrived at Hampton-Dumont high school looking “sharp” and hoping to “measure” up to the rigorous standards of the Iowa All State music ensembles. This year, 4,878 students across the state of Iowa auditioned for 1,048 spots in the All-State Band, Orchestra, or Chorus.
Auditioning for All-State is a huge undertaking and all students that auditioned should be proud of the work they put in to prepare their audition. Students auditioning for instrumental ensembles had to learn multiple excerpts of music, perfect their scales, and prepare a solo of their choice to show off their tone and technique. Students auditioning for the All-State Choir had to learn six choral selections and polish within their audition quartets. This was Grant Bohls’ first time auditioning for All-State choir. He said, “The process was stressful, but it was also a lot of fun. I believe I improved through it.” Grant was selected as a tenor alternate.
After a first round of auditions are completed, judges compile a list of students that have caught their attention and they would like to hear again. It is a huge honor to make this “Callback List” because it means that the judge wanted to hear you again, and your audition was among the top in your section.
Being accepted into All-State requires hours of practice and work. All students that went through the process should be proud of their accomplishments. Mr. Kramer, the director of bands, stated that this year we had “100% success” because everyone improved from the process, and all students should be proud of themselves even if they didn’t make it.
Students that were accepted will meet in Ames November 15-17 to celebrate their hard work and present the 72nd Annual All State Music Festival. Bryce Kleven said this about being accepted into the All State band for his first year: “It’s very flattering because it’s something I worked very hard for and to see it pay off is a great feeling.” He is excited for the festival because “I’m very excited to be around new people and make new friends with like minded individuals.” Congratulations to all involved students!
2018 All Staters
Band
Emma Garrett- Clarinet Alternate
Bailey Gunderson- Baritone Saxophone Alternate
Bryce Kleven- Trumpet
Miles Kramer- Alto Saxophone Alternate
Ben Swegle- French Horn
Orchestra
Maylee Ariston- Cello
Kaitlyn Broske- Violin
Britta Elsbernd- Oboe
Chloe Ihlenfeldt- Viola Alternate
Tim Read- Tuba
Choir
Kailee Acker- Soprano
Madison Anderson- Alto
Grant Bohls- Tenor Alternate
Madison Braun- Alto
Marcus Buttweilier- Tenor
Tony Cadena- Bass
Eddie Callanan- Bass
Adam Dettmer- Bass
Bailey Erickson- Soprano Alternate
Kylie Hansen- Soprano
Jack Harty- Tenor
Noah Hoffman- Tenor
Kinzie Johanns- Alto
Madi Judkins- Soprano
Noah Murray- Tenor
Aden Stroup- Tenor
Piano
Nathan Elsbernd- Choir Accompanist
Recalled Students
Ava Ciavarelli- Alto
Jennaya Everist- Alto
Keagan May- Bass
Sophia Willis- Soprano
Kaitlyn Walthall- Trumpet
Logan Young- Bass