Music is the universal language that connects people across cultures and generations. Around the world, people create, sing, and listen to music, while a select few possess the talent to compose and perform it. Last week, students from across Wyoming gathered in Cheyenne for the All-State Choir, Orchestra, and Band festival, where they had the opportunity to perform under the direction of a conductor from Baylor University alongside other exceptional young musicians who share their passion for music.
The Road to All-State
The journey to All-State began in November, when students participated in live recorded auditions. A few weeks later, they learned whether they had been selected based on their scores. Hanne Opitz described the process: “In mid-November, we had our live recorded auditions. A few weeks later, we found out who made it, depending on whether our scores were above or below the cut-off. For each instrument, a different number of students are accepted to maintain a balanced ensemble.”
Once selected, students dedicated themselves to rigorous preparation. Drew Hanberg, a sophomore who earned a place in All-State, shared, “After school, I would meet with Mrs. Barber once a week and practice extensively at home. Once I made All-State, we had at least three group rehearsals after school with the others who qualified. I also spent a lot of time practicing on my own.”
Preparation varied among students. Marc Harris, a sophomore, said, “I spent about two hours total, practicing a couple of songs every few days.” Meanwhile, Jonah Finch, also a sophomore, took a different approach: “I had completely forgotten about All-State and didn’t practice at all. I went in unprepared but ended up learning everything while I was there.” Despite varying levels of preparation, the experience was transformative for all participants.
The Journey to Cheyenne
The trip to Cheyenne was an adventure in itself. The students departed at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday for the long drive. Upon arrival, they checked into their hotel before heading to Applebee’s for dinner. The next morning started early—too early, according to Drew Hanberg. The day began with sectionals and seating auditions, lasting about an hour before students met the conductor. Marc Harris described him as “a music educator at Baylor University.” Each day, students rehearsed for nearly eight hours, with Drew noting that the conductor emphasized “musicality rather than just playing the notes.”
Monday evening featured a “mandatory fun night,” where students watched a live band, enjoyed dinner at an all-you-can-eat cafeteria, and had the choice of attending a dance or playing volleyball and basketball. Marc described the dance as “super fun!”
On Tuesday, after a few more hours of practice, students traveled to the Civic Center for a concert rehearsal. Hanne Opitz reflected on the incredible sound: “Between the orchestra, choir, and band, there were around 450 students performing, each with countless hours of practice and preparation. From learning their instruments years ago to mastering advanced pieces, the dedication was evident.”
After rehearsal, students returned to the hotel to enjoy pizza and relax before their highly anticipated performance. The concert itself was an unforgettable experience—not just performing but also hearing others. Markus Roberts had the unique opportunity to perform an improvised jazz solo. Mr. Sand, the band teacher, expressed his pride, saying, “Shelby Kisling and Markus performed exceptionally well. Both the concert band and jazz band delivered outstanding performances. We are so proud of them for taking on this additional challenge in their already busy musical lives.” Marc Harris added, “We watched the band and orchestra concerts, and they were all incredible.”
To cap off the night, an unexpected event added a bit of excitement. Marc recalled, “Brock Haderlie, Will Walker, Brigham Hahn, Ethan Eyre, Ammon Baird, Anson Robinson, and Shae Peterson all got stuck in the elevator. We had to call the fire department!” The next morning, after an unforgettable few days, the students embarked on their journey home.
A Lasting Experience
All-State was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The students worked hard to deliver an outstanding performance and left with unforgettable memories. Hanne Opitz, from All-State Orchestra, reflected, “My favorite part of All-State was being in Cheyenne and experiencing the music coming together. It made me feel accomplished and proud.” Marc Harris, from All-State Choir, shared, “I loved being around so many talented musicians. It motivated me to improve because everyone there was striving for excellence. My favorite part was the concert—it made me realize how amazing our small state of Wyoming is and what can be achieved through dedication.” Jonah Finch appreciated the atmosphere, saying, “My favorite part was being surrounded by other passionate singers who enjoyed learning and having fun.”
Drew Hanberg reflected on the inspiration she found in her peers: “My favorite part of All-State was being around people who appreciate music as much as I do. It was incredible to be surrounded by such talented individuals who worked hard to be there. I was so grateful for the opportunity to be part of that orchestra andto hear such amazing music.” Shelby Kisling, one of two students from SVHS who participated in All-State for band, added, “My favorite part was working with other high-level musicians. It pushed me to improve and advance my skills. The guest conductor challenged us to reach new heights musically. I also enjoyed helping others, spending hours going through the audition material and assisting fellow flute players with the technical aspects of the music.”
In many schools, sports like football, basketball, and volleyball often take center stage. However, it is just as important to recognize the dedication and talent of student musicians. Their performances bring beauty into the world, and we are grateful they had the opportunity to share their passion with others who love music just as much as they do. In the end, All-State was an unforgettable experience, uniting Wyoming’s most talented young musicians in a celebration of dedication, collaboration, and the unifying power of music.
