The harmonious voices of choir students from five Killeen ISD high schools fill the air as they gather for the district’s annual high school choir camp. This four-day intensive rehearsal is aimed at preparing incoming ninth- through 12th-graders enrolled in choir, with a particular focus on those planning to audition for the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Choir.
Led by the district’s ten talented choir directors, the camp divides students into alto-soprano sections (girls) in the morning and tenor-bass sections (boys) in the afternoon. One director who brings a wealth of experience to the camp is Amy Triggs, who has been directing Ellison High School choirs for 15 years and teaching for 20.
“The overall goal of region choir camp is to give our students a head start on the music for the first round of auditions,” Triggs explained. “We want to give our students the best possible chance to be prepared.”
The path to the prestigious TMEA All-State Choir involves three levels of auditions, starting with about 20,000 choir students from across the state at the initial region level. Only around 1,200 students make it into the various All-State ensembles, making it an incredibly competitive process.
Participants at the camp put in approximately 12 hours of dedicated work, which sets them on the path to practicing on their own before the start of the new school year. For aspiring All-State choir members like Elena Bryan, a senior from Harker Heights High School, the summer camps are crucial for honing their skills and increasing their chances of success.
Bryan, a three-time TMEA All-State choir selection, attends a choir camp every June at Texas Tech University and follows it up with KISD’s camp in July. She emphasized the importance of summer work for those aspiring to make All-State, and she appreciates KISD’s initiative in hosting the free camp.
The camaraderie and networking opportunities among peers are an added bonus for Bryan, who values learning from other talented individuals. “They are my competition, but they are also my friends. We make it together,” she expressed.
As the camp progresses, the directors collaborate and exchange ideas, offering their top students exposure to different teaching styles. The camp not only prepares the students for auditions but also fosters a sense of community and growth among the aspiring vocalists.
With the camp’s conclusion, these dedicated choir students will return to their respective schools, armed with newfound skills and knowledge. Their journey towards making the TMEA All-State Choir will continue as they pursue their passion for choral excellence in the upcoming school year.’
Image credit: Killeen ISD
Texas Reporter 