The incredibly successful MVHS choir sent 21 members to All-State in Ames – the largest number in the choir program’s history. Rehearsals take place Friday and Saturday, ending with a concert. Defining factors for the choir’s sucess are the love and care for singing in both the students and the choir director, Thad Wilkins.
“He has definitely taught us integrity,” said sophomore Beck Oesterle, who explained that without Wilkins’ leadership in the work ethic of practicing every day and being professional, the choir wouldn’t be as successful. This was Osterle’s first acceptance into All-State. He said when the time came for the list to be posted on the wall, “I remember being at the list with my friend Hagen Wilkins, and I was somewhat nervous because I had gotten a recall and I didn’t know what to expect, but I was very surprised when I saw the results.” Oseterle then told his parents the exciting news.
Junior Reagan Slaymaker said she was impressed with the talent this year, but said, “It all comes back to Wilkins. He does everything to prepare all of us,” she said. Slaymaker said she struggles with audition nerves, but reassurance always helps her. One way that Wilkins helped Slaymaker’s nerves was by reassuring her that she was well prepared. “He told me that, if we had auditioned a month ago, you would have been ready. And that really calmed my nerves.” Slaymakers also finds that her friends bring a positive environment to the choir. “I really like being with Grace Bausch. She is really positive and excited all the time. I also like being with all my friends from the alto section.”
Senior Isabel Govea said that the environment that Mr. Wilkins creates affects how they view singing as a whole. “I believe that he shows us how love and passion can take you far in multiple different ways,” said Govea. “The care in the way he explains and the care he shows for us makes us more connected.” This is Govea’s fourth year of All-State, the only one in her grade to go all four years. “It’s super cool to go for all four years because it’s not an experience many get to have. ” Her advice for others is to love what you are doing. “You really have to love what you are doing to be good at it. If you have passion, you can go wherever you want.”
“I believe that All-State is one of the great opportunities for students to even just audition,” Wilkins said, “because you get to see your best students push themselves to go beyond what they are used to.” Wilkins also sees a bigger difference in the students who go to All-State. “A lot of the kids who are already trying to be better, but going to All-state and getting those experiences makes some of those best kids even better.” Wilkins also explained the benefits of participating in the All-State choir: “It forces you to learn to sing as an ensemble instead of focusing on singing as an individual.”
All-State members will return to Mount Vernon after their concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University on Saturday, Nov. 22. The concert is open to the public and will be aired on PBS.
