Usually, being able to participate in All-State Choir is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, senior Jake Miller can proudly say it is his fifth year attending this amazing event. All-State Choir is hosted in Richmond, Va. and consists of three different musical groups; band, orchestra, and choir. It hosts around 1000 students from all over the state and lasts around three days. The first two days contain all-day rehearsals, from around nine in the morning to four in the afternoon. These jam-packed days end with a catered dinner and fun socials with music. On the third day, performances happen.
Miller auditioned for All-State Choir at the beginning of January. All-State Choir takes a lot of preparation to master. “I have to prepare an art song and then sight read,” Miller said. Singing in the All-State Choir doesn’t come with ease. “The sight reading is pretty advanced… We have 30 seconds to look it over, and then we have to perform it on the spot,” explained Miller. He adds that he already has the music provided by the competition, but still needs time to learn it. He is then given two months to master the pieces. The music consists of 5-6 songs and is usually a few spirituals, hymns, Latin songs, a sight-reading piece and one song with difficult rhythms. Although the music is difficult, Miller works with private instructors to solidify his parts. “Each piece has been selected intentionally, with purpose and meaning behind each lyric. The way the parts form together appears complex, but they are full of rich dynamics that bring out so much emotion in the performers and the audience,” said Miller.
Miller explains he auditioned to find an outlet for his creativity. “There’s not much that goes on in regard to the arts in Warrenton, so I take advantage of every opportunity I get to collaborate with other musicians,” said Miller. He describes that the biggest challenge is understanding the dynamics and tempo of the music. “Usually, the melodies aren’t an issue for me, but rhythm can be at times,” Miller said. He states his favorite part is definitely the environment. Miller said, “My favorite part is seeing all of my friends from the arts that I went to Art Governor’s school with. Also, the electricity that comes off of the choir when we sing.”
All-State Choir isn’t the only thing Jake Miller participated in. His successful high school career includes FHS’s Choral Ensemble as well as the All-State, All-District and All-County choir. He sings a mix of the SATB Choir (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass). He also has participated in the Virginia Boys State where he was a part of the Chapel Choir every morning and the Summer Residential Governor’s School for the Visual and Performing Arts.
