Nearly 50 students from Coppell High School are representing the dedication and talent of the choir program at the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir Regional Auditions following their district auditions.

The district auditions were held on Sept. 23 at Creekview High School, with 79 auditioning. Forty-nine advanced to regionals: 15 sopranos, 17 altos, six tenors and 11 basses.

The pieces performed were “Movement two and four of Gloria” by Francis Poulenc and “To Thee Cherabim” by George Frideric Handel. Tenors and basses sang “Fight the Good Fight” by John Gardner and altos and sopranos sang “Ave Generosa” by Ola Gjeilo.

For some choir students, All-State means a way of looking better to colleges.

“Colleges look for that achievement [of making All-State Choir], and you can even achieve scholarships for music degrees.” said CHS junior Jacob Barnes, a bass who made it past the district round.

For others, the competition means growth as a musician.

“Just the knowing that you’ll have a lot of musical growth, growth as a singer, was a key factor in me participating,” CHS senior alto Courtney Roberts said.

As excited as the choir students are about the results, their teachers are even more happy.

“[CHS  assistant choir director Adam Gililand] and I are very proud of the fact that we had so many learners representing Region 31 from CHS,” CHS choir head choir director Bona Coogle said.

The preparation for auditions has been lengthy, requiring an hour a day of practice along with attending vocal camps.

“I went to two camps, at Baylor University and the University of Hardin-Simmons, which is like a week long camp where I stayed there every night and we spent all day practicing music and at home, at least once a week, until we get to those auditions and it’s about every day I’ve been trying to practice the music and go over it again. So it’s a lot of work.” Barnes said.

Often, vocal teachers help prepare the students as well. Once the voice recordings are given to the students, they learn the notes from the recordings, but vocal teachers and choir directors, teach the rhythm and dynamic markings.

“We offer before [and] after school sectionals, and students also come work with me one on one before/after school, during lunch and during my conference,” Coogle said.

The emotions varied for students, but those with more experience felt more confident.

“I don’t get very nervous anymore, [not] as much as my freshman year. I get a little nervous before I walk in, but then after, I feel pretty relaxed and relieved,” said CHS senior Victoria Kennedy, a soprano who made it to regionals.

The CHS choir is having a Region Choir Clinic/Concert on Nov. 11.