This year’s Kansas Music Educators Association All-State Convention took place Feb. 27-29 at Century II in Wichita, with rehearsals on the first two days and performances on the third. The convention included music students from hundreds of Kansas schools divided into a Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, a 1-4A Band and a 5-6A Band.

Ten students from Hays participated in the Treble and Mixed choirs.

Treble Choir – senior Sierra Adkins, juniors Alisara Arial and Alexis White, sophomore Samantha Vesper and freshman Devlyn Jochum

The Treble Choir, conducted by Dr. Rosephanye Powell, performed three works by Powell herself: “Non Nobis Domine,” “I Want to Die While You Love Me” and “Still I Rise.”

“She seemed to know how to conduct her pieces in a very successful way to give off the feelings they were meant to,” Arial said. “She had a very good energy that inspired a lot of us to work hard because of how awesome she was.”

Vesper said that Powell provided one of the best choir experiences she had ever had.

“I don’t think there was a single person in our choir that didn’t love her,” Vesper said. “We all responded to her really well. She was really fun to work with.”

The Treble Choir also performed “Ubi Caritas” and “Tundra” by Ola Gjielo and “How Can I Keep From Singing?” by Gwyneth Walker.

Mixed Choir – senior Katelyn Engel and juniors Tom Drabkin, Kai Kaufman, Caitlin Leiker and Gabe McGuire

The Mixed Choir, conducted by Dr. Tim Seelig, performed “Exsultate” by Jacob Narverud (who coached the choir on his piece in one of their rehearsals), “Stars” by Eric Esenvalds, “Joy” by Hans Heruth, “Being Alive” by Stephen Sondheim and arranged by Mac Huff, “Stomp on the Fire” by Andrea Ramsey and “Musical Risotto” by Jonathan Wilcocks.

Kaufman said he first met Seelig while performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Feb. 2. Although the experience changes with every group of people, Kaufman said he appreciated the way Seelig ran the State Choir rehearsals.

“He was really good about being diligent with our time, but he also taught us how to take care of ourselves when we’re singing,” Kaufman said. “I like that he prioritizes our experience more than the tiny details.”

Kaufman said getting to participate in State Choir helps complete his high school experience by challenging him to work towards an important goal.

McGuire agreed, saying he viewed the experience as a chance to improve as an individual performer.

“Whenever I go to things like this, it always humbles me because I know I can get so much better and that I have things to look forward to,” McGuire said.

Vesper said she would love to return to State KMEA for more than just the singing.

“I had a lot of fun hanging out with my friends in the hotel room, having a good time around the town and going out to eat together,” Vesper said.

Vocal director Alex Underwood said he was very proud of the students who were selected for State Choir this year, and that their hard work led to a fantastic concert.

“It is an honor to be chosen, and the experience can be transformative for students,” Underwood said. “Watching them work this past weekend in rehearsals alongside other fantastic singers from across the state led by nationally-renowned conductors was a joy. I think everyone’s lives were richer because of the experience.”

21cleiker@usd489.com