Earning a spot in an All-State music ensemble is one of the highest honors a high school musician can achieve. This year, several Star Valley High School students were recognized for their talent and dedication after being selected for All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra. The audition process is extremely competitive, with students competing against top musicians from schools across the state.
All-State auditions require months of preparation and a high level of musical skill. Because of the difficulty, many students choose not to audition, and even fewer earn a place. Choir, band, and orchestra students must meet strict expectations, making All-State a rare achievement for those who succeed.
This year, Star Valley High School had a strong showing across all musical disciplines. A total of 22 students were selected for All-State Choir, while three students earned positions in All-State Band, and 15 students were chosen for All-State Orchestra. These numbers highlight the depth of talent within the school’s music programs and reflect the dedication of both students and directors in preparing for such a competitive audition process.
In addition to the traditional ensembles, Star Valley High School is also celebrating participation in the All-State Jazz Band, a newer opportunity for student musicians. This year, three students were selected for the All-State Jazz Band, marking an important milestone for the school’s growing jazz program. As a newer ensemble, jazz band participation represents expanding opportunities in the performing arts and shows continued growth and versatility among Star Valley’s musicians.
Senior Ella Cranney is one of the students who stood out this year after earning a spot in All-State for four consecutive years, an accomplishment achieved by very few students. Remaining at an All-State level for multiple years requires consistent effort and improvement. “Each year the music gets harder and the expectations are higher,” Cranney said. “Making it four years in a row really pushed me to stay disciplined and committed.”
Thomas Randall also earned All-State honors for four years, showing the persistence it takes to remain competitive at such a high level. Auditions can be stressful, and the pressure increases each year as students advance. “Some years were definitely harder than others,” Randall said. “Knowing how competitive it is makes making it again feel even more rewarding.” His achievement highlights the amount of dedication required to maintain success over time.
Choir students face similar challenges during the audition process. The level of preparation and musicianship required often discourages students from trying out. Cloe Jack, who earned a place in All-State Choir, said the difficulty is a major reason participation is limited. “Not a lot of students audition because it’s really hard,” Cloe said. “You have to put in a lot of work and be really prepared.” Her experience reflects the effort needed to succeed in a demanding choir program.
These All-State musicians represent the strength of Star Valley High School’s performing arts programs. Their accomplishments reflect countless hours of practice and the support of music teachers and directors. By earning All-State honors, these students not only achieve personal success but also bring recognition to their school.
The achievements of Cranney, Randall, and Jack serve as inspiration to other students who may be considering auditioning in the future. Their success shows that while the process is challenging, dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary opportunities in music.
