Each year, thousands of choir, band and orchestra students across Iowa audition for All-State. With high levels of competition, only a small portion of students will be accepted to attend the All-State Music Festival held in Ames, Iowa, in November.
In October, Toby Schoon (he/him), 12, became the first student in Liberty’s choral program to be accepted into the All-State Chorus all four years of high school. This accomplishment is rare, as the road to All-State is a challenging one.
“[The process] is long; it’s arduous, and there’s going to be a lot of pitfalls in it,” Schoon said. “You won’t always get the ending you want, but it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.”
For Schoon, the best part of any choral experience comes from the people.
“You can make great music whenever by yourself,” Schoon said. “[But] you get the sense of unity throughout, with so many people all trying to accomplish the same goal of making incredible music.”
At the All-State Music Festival this year, 601 chorus students gathered for the event.
“Everyone is there for one shared purpose,” Schoon said. “That’s the kind of connection that you won’t find anywhere else in life.”
Schoon has been involved in choir for several years. Throughout his high school experience, Schoon credits Robert Williams (he/him), choir director, for supporting him through the years.
“Mr. Williams has been one of, if not the most, prominent mentors in my life,” Schoon said. “I admire him immensely and the way he rehearses his groups and the way he carries himself.”
Williams is in his fifteenth year of teaching and his eighth year at Liberty. With familiarity in the All-State audition process, Williams is aware of the hard work that goes into audition day.
“It’s a lot to ask of a high school student, but really anybody to sing this music for that long and constantly find ways to improve not only as an individual, but as an ensemble,” Williams said. “It requires a lot of mental stamina, because you’re working on this music for a very long time.”
Despite the difficult process, Williams recognizes the excellence of Schoon’s achievement and character.
“He’s very musically gifted,” Williams said. “He understands music on a deeper level than your average high school student.”
Williams has worked with Schoon throughout high school.
“I’ll never forget him walking through the door as a freshman and trying the All-State process for the first time,” Williams said. “He’s become the person leading. We put a lot on his shoulders from a young age, and to see him grow into [his role now] has been really special for me.”
With four years of All-State experience under his belt, Schoon reflected on his journey.
“It’s a lot of work, but ultimately, it’s all about growth,” Schoon said.
