Choir competitors traveled to Jacksonville on October 7 for Region 21 choir auditions. Senior Rebecca Richardson placed third chair in the competition.

“I am excited for Rebecca because her work ethic has been unbelievable,” choir director Casey Halbgewachs said. “She is learning very difficult music in a very short amount of time. Her musicianship has improved dramatically over the course of the audition process.”

The competition was one of three auditions for this Texas Music Educators Association event. By exceeding on Saturday, Richardson has a guaranteed audition to the Pre-Area round of All State auditions that will take place between October and January.

“At the beginning, I was really nervous and had my doubts about it,” Richardson said. “Now, I am excited for the next step.”

Students competing prepare four pieces of music, three of which are selected the day of the competition. The student then sings the portions and performs a sight reading example not previously rehearsed.

“It is important to practice and do relatively well under pressure,” Richardson said. “I cannot stress this enough.”

At the beginning of the year, choir students are given choral pieces along with their accompaniment tracks. They are expected to rehearse on their own time and at specified times before and after school.

“This is a large, time consuming commitment,” Halbgewachs said. “Work ethic is an absolute must. The competition at this level leaves no room for error at all.”