By Josh Schorle

Twenty-two band and vocal students traveled to Harlan on Oct. 20 in hopes of being accepted for the Iowa All-State choir or band that will perform in Ames on Nov. 17. Three students from Atlantic were selected: senior Mikayla Somers (Soprano Two), junior Hannah Jespersen (Soprano One), and senior Shelby Cooper (B-flat Clarinet).

This will be Cooper’s second time as an All-State performer. She was also selected last year.

Somers was selected during her freshman and sophomore years. This will be her third year in All-State. “Everyone who auditioned did a really great job,” said Somers. “If you didn’t make it, it doesn’t mean you’re not good.”

Jespersen will be performing for her second time after selection as a freshman.

Students had been practicing since early August, when they first received audition materials.

Mikayla Somers said she decided to audition because she  likes “the challenge of the music All-State offers.” Sophomore Brecklyn Carey said, “I wanted to have the experience and be a better singer through it.”

Sophomores Justin Somers and Carey as well as Mikayla Somers all said people who might consider trying out for All-State should “Do it!”

Justin Somers commented, “It will help you become a better singer and will boost your esteem.” Carey also said, “Be prepared to put in lots of hard work and be willing to put in the effort. You won’t regret it.”

Band teacher Jarrod O’Donnell said, “It can be a long and rewarding day. It’s never wasted because the time you put in practicing makes them better musicians.  Even if they don’t make the group, they have become better musicians.”

All-State is considered by many to be one of the most competitive music experiences of high school. “It’s just one person’s opinion of someone made it or didn’t,” said Mikayla Somers.

In addition to those selected, vocalists who auditioned included: seniors Cassie Hallman, Danielle Lambert, Kallee Mudd and Josh Schorle; juniors  Logan Hemphill, Preston Hoye, Breanna Kixmiller, Shelby McKinley, Morgan Munsey and Logan Welter; sophomores  Brecklyn Carey, Hallee Glenn, Reid Nichols and Justin Somers.

Instrumentalists who auditioned included: Tiffany Braukman (Flute), Shelby Cooper (Clarinet), Matt Iekel (French Horn), Ben Parker (Clarinet), Paige Sorenson(Trumpet) and Tom Stinn (Tuba).