All State was fantastic!

Just got back from a trip with the high school All State students. We had a wonderful time in Ames.

First, congratulations to these 7 band students....Kieran Cullen on flute, Emma Morin on Eb Clarinet, Katie Schulz on Bb Clarinet, Kelsey Struck on horn, Jesse Luedtke on trombone, Don Halverson on baritone, and Tom Cullen on tuba. Kieran, Katie, Kelsey and Jesse performed with the All State orchestra, and Emma, Don and Tom performed with the All State Band.

These students earned spots in All State by auditioning in October. They played scales, performed a short solo, and prepared etudes. Hmmm....you guys practice scales too! I am sure there are some future All Staters in our middle school groups!

While in Ames, we had chair placements. All of our kids placed high in their sections. Emma, Don and Jesse were 1st chair...that is quite an accomplishment at All State!! After chair placements, we ate at Hickory Park. We returned to our motel and went to bed. Friday was a day of rehearsals and watching the groups come together. What amazing sounds! When you get that many great musicians in one place, you can do anything! We had a wonderful meal that evening ( thanks Music Boosters!). Saturday was the big day- rehearsals in our ensembles, a run through in Hilton Coliseum, and the concert. Word from the students, the parents, and the audience in general is that it was one of the finest All State concerts they had heard! (Must have been all those good Storm Lake kids!)

The concert is televised on Iowa Public Television. Check out the concert on Thursday, Nov. 25 at 7:00 pm or Sunday, November 28 at 5:30 pm. Look for our Storm Lake kids in black dresses and tuxes. Our choir kids- Cayla Egesdahl, Hannah Friesen, Erica Allen, Anna Wulfkuehler, JC Renteria, Alex Lenhart are wearing blue robes with gold collars. Bring a note from mom and dad telling that you watched the concert and get extra credit!

Work hard guys....All State is incredible. All of our HS musicians started out right where you are now! Consistent practice and a desire to be the best you can be will get you there. I hope to see you on tv in a few years, too!