Every year, choir students in the state of Texas audition for a spot in the All-State choir competition, but only a handful are selected to compete.

“[The All State choir competition is] a multi-round audition process where students learn collegiate level music in all different languages,” senior choir member Sophia Miley said.

In preparation for the competition, the students involved put hours into rehearsing and practicing. They all go through their own methods of practice to prepare for the competition.

“I spend a week in the summer learning music at a summer camp,” Miley said. 

Even with these preparations, choir students still experience lots of stress while practicing. This stress can be very hard to deal with and can interfere with rehearsals.

“I do stretches in the hallway, and I look kind of crazy, but it always helps,” Miley said. 

Although choir students are met with pressure to succeed in their categories, they still enjoy the routine for the opportunities it gives them to learn and grow. 

“I would not be half the musician that I am today without it,” Miley said.

Looking ahead, five students advanced to the area as well as three alternates.