Annually, Crofton choir students have the opportunity to audition for one of the most impressive and daunting choirs in all of Nebraska: NMEA All-State.
Every year, NMEA (Nebraska Music Education Association) puts on an all-star choir event, consisting of the best high school singers in the state. Crofton has had the privilege of sending students to the ensemble in the past, consistently sending multiple students every year.
“I have auditioned and made it in the past, and I really enjoyed it,” stated junior and two time participant, Elizabeth Wortmann. “I love being part of a really big group of musicians who are just good at what they do. I love just being part of that sound.”
Crofton vocalists will audition for the ensemble from September 22 to 24. Mrs. Katie Kleinschmit, Crofton’s choir director, said, “It’s to challenge yourself. It is going to be the most difficult as well as the biggest swing of different genres of music that you will be exposed to. There’s only so much we can get to in chorus class. It’s a good challenge to get outside of that box with more difficult and different music.”
Results for who has been chosen for the choir will be released on October 17, with the clinic and concert occurring from November 16 to 19. Although being chosen isn’t the most important part of the experience, “It’s not necessarily about the end product: whether or not they make it,” says Kleinschmit. “But hopefully through the process, every single one of them is a better musician by the time they get to their audition.”
Wortmann concurs, “I would encourage everybody to try out for All-State because even if you don’t make it, it’s still a great experience as a singer and it helps you grow in your musicianship.”