B.F. Terry High School All-State Choir
Seniors Eric Gonzales and Carolyn Castillo at B.F. Terry High School were selected to performin the All State Mixed Choir in February.
B.F. Terry had two students audition at the Area level Saturday, Jan. 7 in Rockport. Both choir members, Carolyn Castillo and Eric Gonzales, were selected to perform in the All State Mixed choir in February.
These students have been rehearsing since June on their audition music, and after advancing through four rounds of competition, are now members of the 2012 Texas All State Mixed Choir.
Students who earn the distinction of being an All-State Choir member spend four days rehearsing and developing their vocal skills at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in February in San Antonio. The week culminates in a performance of each of the All-State choirs – the Men’s Choir, the Women’s Choir and the Mixed Choir.
In Texas, the All-State Choir audition process begins with approximately 20,000 students in September and is narrowed down to 250.
It is an outstanding accomplishment to earn a spot in the Texas All-State choir said Choral Director Rhonda Klutts. In addition to receiving the honor and recognition for being the best choral and band students in the state, these students are given special consideration when auditioning for college music scholarships.
Students grow tremendously in their musical skills and understanding of determination and hard work as they participate in the process. These skills are not only useful on stage or in the classroom but also in any endeavor these students choose to take in life.
Making the All State ensemble — choir, band, orchestra — is the highest honor that a Texas high school musician can earn and is a highly sought-after honor.
“They are truly two blessed musicians with an incredible gift of music,” said Klutts.
This is Castillo’s third year to make the All State choir and Gonzales’ first year to make it. Both are seniors and recently the two had the lead roles in the school musical “Hairspray.”
