“It’s going to change your life...” That’s what I was told by multiple people during the All State process and when I made All State. That the four days you spend at the TMEA convention will be so incredible that they will stay with you for the rest of your life. Honestly, I think they were underestimating it. This convention and these people have changed my life and so much more. Being part of an All State choir taught me so much. My whole perspective on music and how to bring a piece to life shifted. I got to hear from the composers and arrangers of many of our songs, giving me a new appreciation for them. I loved seeing how connected the choir community is, and it was truly a full circle moment to get to see so many people who I have learned from over the past 3 years. Most importantly, All State taught me the power of a choir that is a family. I have never been in such a kind, supportive choir with a great work ethic, positive attitude, and special love for music. We formed an amazing bond, and our connection allowed us to push ourselves beyond the boundaries we had been taught as singers and take risks for the sake of creating beautiful music. We did so much more than sing during our performance. We cried, we told a story, and we flew. There are so many people I want to thank for their role in my all state experience, but most of all I want to thank my friends. The people I have met throughout the All State process have changed my life for the better. Over the past three years, I have gone from feeling like I didn’t have any real friends to having a whole network of people from all over Texas who have shown me nothing but kindness. I never left an audition, workshop, camp, or performance without a new friend. The biggest thing I am going to miss about the All State process is the people, and I have all of you to thank for that. “It’s impossible for something to go from your life, without it first becoming a part of who you are. You are another, I am you, we are one.” 🩷