On Nov. 21 – 23, 19 Liberty musicians traveled to Iowa State University to have the opportunity to participate in the All-State music festival. For over 75 years, Iowa high school students have been auditioning for the All-State music festival, in hopes of earning the high honor of being an All-State musician. The festival is two days of rehearsing and then eventually performing on the final day.
Miriam Terwilleger, 12, (she/her), attended her third All-State festival this year. Limited festival spots lead to a selective audition process, and very few make the cut in their four years of high school. Terwilleger has been selected three years in a row to participate in the festival, a very notable accomplishment. Terwilleger discusses the preparation for the festival and the time and effort that goes into preparing for their auditions.
“It’s a long process,” she remarked. “All of the rehearsing and preparing has made me a better musician. Of course, the goal is to get into the All-State chorus, but what you are really getting out of it is you are becoming a better musician, and that is the best part.”
Liberty has talented staff in its music department, and many students are able to find guidance and support through these staff members. Terwilleger reflects on the impact that one of these staff members had on her.
“Robert Williams, one of our choir directors, is definitely the person that I look up to. He has done so much for me, and he has taught me so much. I would not be the person I am today without him.”
Will Turnis, 12, (he/him), is one of three orchestra students from Liberty selected for the festival. Being a senior, this year feels a bit different than past years.
“This is kind of your last chance at doing it, and you will never have this exact experience anywhere else. So that put a little bit of extra stress on it this year,” Turnis expressed.
Turnis is very reflective of his experience with the All-State festival, and shares advice that he would give to someone hoping to be selected in the future.
“Just have fun because no matter what, you are getting better. I auditioned my freshman and sophomore year and did not get in, and so I know what it feels like [to not get in],” Turnis stated.
Both Turnis and Terwilleger plan on continuing their music in college. They plan on joining their respective ensembles at the University of Iowa. The All-State audition process provides a unique experience for student musicians at Liberty.
