Sheldon, Iowa — A dozen Sheldon High School musicians traveled to Storm Lake Saturday morning to audition for the coveted spots in the Iowa All-State Chorus, Band, and Orchestra.
Nine Orab vocalists auditioned, with two being selected to participate in the All-State Music Festival November 17th in Ames. Sheldon singers who were selected to participate in All-State were Lexie Merley, and Brian Nilles. Being accepted to perform at All-State once is a rare honor, but this year will be Nilles’ fourth trip to the All-State Festival.
In addition, Sheldon Choir Director Brandon Lenderink tells KIWA that Jon Sterk was recalled by the judges, but ultimately not selected for the All-State Chorus. Lenderink says the call-backs indicate that Sterk’s score was high enough to qualify for All-State, but there were not enough slots available.
Orab Band Director Cliff St. Clair took three of his instrumentalists to All-State Auditions Saturday, but none were ultimately selected to take part in the November festival.
Following Saturday’s auditions, Merley and Nilles will be in Ames for rehearsals November 15th and 16th. Lenderink says when the choir members arrive in Ames they’ll be given an additional piece of music that they must learn during the two days of rigorous rehearsals leading up to the All-State Concert, which will be held Saturday, November 17th.
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Original post 3:24 pm, 10/18/2018
Sheldon, Iowa — Bright and early this Saturday morning, a dozen Sheldon High School vocal and instrumental musicians will board a bus to travel to Storm Lake High School to audition for spots in the 2018 Iowa All-State band, choir and orchestra.
Orab Band Director Cliff St. Clair says he’s taking three of his musicians to audition Saturday.
St. Clair talks about the audition process for instrumental musicians.
In addition to the three Sheldon band students auditioning Saturday, Orab Choir Director Brandon Lenderink says nine of his students will be attempting to become members of the All-State Choir.
Lenderink says the audition process for vocalists is a bit different than that for instrumentalists.
After Saturday’s auditions, those who are chosen to perform at All-State will be in Ames for rehearsals November 15th and 16th. Lenderink says when the choir members arrive in Ames they’ll be given an additional piece of music that they must learn during the two days of rigorous rehearsals leading up to the All-State Concert, which will be held Saturday, November 17th.
