Middle school students participate in All State Honor Choir

FORT WAYNE -- The Indiana Music Educators’ Association hosted their 10th-annual All-State Middle School Honor Choir at the IMEA State Conference in Fort Wayne on from Jan. 11-13.

The All-State Middle School Honor Choir is open to those in grades seven through nine and members are chosen by audtion only, providing an opportunity for students to be recognized for their talents.

This year, participants from Greencastle Middle School included: Siddalee Cox, Lauren Hopper, Amelia Mathis and Selene Seaman.

The program’s selection process begins at each school where the musicians apply to participate. Those applications and their director’s recommendations are considered when a selection committee sets the group roster. Students who have the honor of participating in the ensemble receive a letter of congratulations and music to practice prior to the event.

On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 12, students gathered at the Allen County Public Library and began practicing together for the first time. Directors from many of the schools involved helped with preparation on that day by rehearsing students in sectionals. The next morning was again spent in rehearsels with a concert performance by the group that afternoon. The 160-voice choir learned seven pieces which included works in foreign languages such as Latin, Swahili and Romanian.

“The Honor Choir was a unique learning experience for our GMS students by allowing them to interact with other middle-school students from across the state,” Katheryn Dory, director of choirs at GMS, noted. “I also want to thank the parents that accompanied their children to Fort Wayne to make their participation possible.”

This year’s guest conductor was Mrs. Janel Baker. Mrs. Baker is currently teaching grades six through 12 vocal music at Western Middle-High School in Russiaville. Through her teaching experience, she has seen her vocal programs excel and experience tremendous growth and recognition. Her choirs annually participate in Indiana State School Music Association contests, receiving Gold division rating and are received with distinction recognition.