This year, 11 LuHi Jubilate members, and 1 member of the Wind Ensemble, received the honor of participating in the Colorado All-State Choir and Band. The students, pictured above, went through a rigorous process of auditioning, to perform with the All-State Choir later this month.

All State Choir is an audition choir open to high school students and middle school students across Colorado, composed of a Mixed Choir, a Men’s Choir, and a Women’s Choir. All State Band is the audition band for instrumentalists composed of a Symphonic Band and a Concert Band. Dedicated students receive the incredible opportunity to work with professionals and evaluate their craft. 

Lillie Hendricks, a senior flutist and four-year member of LuHi’s wind ensemble, is the first LuHi student to make it into the All-State Band and will perform with the band in mid-April this year. She recalls her audition, which consisted of an audio recording she had to send to the All-State directors. While the audition was stressful, Hendricks prepared well. “Going in, I did a lot of prep. I was definitely stressed because I was really passionate and knew I wanted to do this.” Hendricks said.

Kayden Deagle, a junior and two-year member of Jubilate, had prepare for a skills test and solo piece. “ I was scared that I would mess up and I was a little sick that day, but I felt confident that Mr. Losel and Mrs. Oge had prepared me. I trusted that it was part of God’s plan,” Deagle said. When he found out from Jubilate choir director, Mr. Losel, that he had made it into the Men’s Choir, he described the feeling as a “huge weight off my shoulders. It was an amazing feeling putting in that work.” 

Hendricks received her news over Christmas Break, in the middle of practicing. “I started jumping around the room, and then I called my mom.” she said.

When asked why he wanted to join the All-State Choir, Dealge said, “I saw (All State) as a challenge, and I saw people I looked up to audition last year and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.” Deagle now joins the ranks of many LuHi students who have participated in All-State in years past. 

For Hendricks, the All State Concert Band is an opportunity to play with more advanced and college-level musicians, and have a unique and important experience for her as a flutist, which she hopes to continue in college.  

All State Choir and Band provides an incredible opportunity for students across Colorado to learn, grow, and experience a unique musical experience that cannot be found in high school, and now 12 LuHi students will be able to take part in this wonderful opportunity.