The New Jersey Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra and Mixed Chorus will have their annual concerts in Atlantic City and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Nov. 8 and 18, respectively.
Students from across the state auditioned to be a part of the All-State Mixed Chorus program and approximately 300 were accepted.
According to members of the All-State Orchestra, the audition process is also very competitive and approximately 130 students are accepted.
In order to prepare for the concerts the Mixed Chorus has four rehearsals: one at the beginning of the summer and three in the fall.
The Orchestra also has one rehearsal at thebeginning of the summer, but only two in the fall.They then rehearse for two and a half days in Atlantic City before performing. Additionally, the students must memorize every piece outside of the rehearsals.
“The pieces are more challenging technically and emotionally…. You can push yourself to do more with the music,” said All-State Orchestra member junior Cindy Xiao.
At the concerts, the Mixed Chorus performs about eight selections while the Orchestra performs four. One of these selections is performed together.
Said Brzozowski: “I think it’s really thrilling that the students get to perform at NJPAC. It’s been home to many professional and high level concerts.”
Said senior Allie Hecht, an All-State Chorus Member: “It is absolutely amazing to perform at such distinguished locations, especially NJPAC. The professionalism allows us young performers to have such a high-caliber experience.”