The All-State Music Festival

By Emmasae Hallen

Saturday, May 15, 2010, eleven lucky students were chosen to go to the All-State Music Festival. Unfortunately 4 student didn't go because of the funeral of the loving Bekah L. Warren.

So what is All-State? All-State is a concert that a few kids from band, chorus and orchestra in each school are chosen to go to. Each musical group will get kids from in the Southwest District in NH. Hundreds of students go and play the songs they are assigned. This year we have some GREAT musicians. Here are the students.....

Band: Ben Wescott (8), Baritone Sax
Tyler Aborn (8), Tenor Sax
Emmasae Hallen (8), Baritone Horn
Joe Edwards (8), Trumpet
Alternate:
Beth Cheaney (8), Alto Sax (didn't go)

Chorus: Sally Paquette (8), Soprano
Nicole Tatro (8), Soprano (didn't go)
Liz Durgin (8), Alto (didn't go)
Ty Doncaster (8), Bass
Joel Barwood (7), Bass

Orchestra: Timothy Hollingsworth (8), Violin (didn't go)

What does alternate mean? Beth Cheaney is the only alternate this year. An alternate is if a musician does not show up or if they can't go the alternate will go instead. Beth is doing this because she went last year as well. But, she didn't go anyway because of the funeral. Beth said, "I went last year and I had a good time, so I went to the funeral instead this year."

What music did they play? Each musical group plays different music.

Band- Grizzly Bear Rag, A Day at the Zoo, Normandy Beach
Chorus- Cantante Domino, Jubilant Song, As Long as I Have Music, United We Stand
Orchestra- Blue Fire Fiddles, Bossa Verde, Rondeau, Hungarian Dance No.5

They played for 6 hours on Saturday, then they had their concert! "I had so much fun that I didn't want to leave!" Joel Barwood said. They did an amazing job and they all had a blast! "They sounded awesome! I can't wait till next year to hear them play," said Ms. Moran. 

Great job All-State kids!