A dozen Homer High School students were chosen to participate in the ASAA All-State Music Festival held in Anchorage last weekend. Of those, four were first chair candidates: Kaveh Anderson, first chair candidate; Hannah Baird; Joseph Cardoz, first chair candidate; Taylor Davis; August Kilcher; Megan Kirsis; Patrick Latimer; Matthew Meyer, first chair candidate; Zachary Nelson; Mattea Peters; Claire Swanson; and John Walsworth, first chair candidate.

To be considered for All-State, each student submit a four-exercise recorded audition consisting of high and low scales, arpeggios and an a capella rendition of “American, the Beautiful.” 

“Our students performed in both the mixed and treble choir at All-State Festival this year,” said choir director Kyle Schneider.

All-State Mixed Choir coordinator was Leisl Davenport-Wheeler, choir director at Bartlett High School. The conductor was Jing Ling-Tam of the University of Texas in Arlington and the accompanist was Susan Wingrove. The All-State Treble Choir was coordinated by Andrea Lange, Eagle River High School’s choir director, and conducted by Geselle Wyers of the University of Washington. Janet Carr-Campbell was the accompanist. 

“It never ceases to amaze me that our musicians contribute so voraciously to the All-State experience,” said Schneider. “We consistently provide substantial competition for first chair honors and work to balance the organization to the best of our ability.”

He noted student musician’s professional-level dedication and the many hours spent outside of school perfecting their music and their ability to respond to changes provided by each conductor clinician.

“The work ethic of these students, and that of all Homer music students, continues to amaze me, and was noted by Jing Ling-Tam and Giselle Wyers, our clinicians,” said Schneider. “Altogether, these young men and women showed impressive dedication to the creation of beautiful music and represented their school and our community quite well. I am honored and humbled to serve as their director, and am immensely proud of their accomplishments.”