Two vocalists earn spots in TMEA all-state choir

All-stater singers--Junior Angie Klassen Enns and junior Jessica Giesbrecht will perform with the all-state choir in February. They qualified after tryouts on Jan. 7 in Midland.

All-stater singers–Junior Angie Klassen Enns and junior Jessica Giesbrecht will perform with the all-state choir in February. They qualified after tryouts on Jan. 7 in Midland.

 Two vocalists qualified for the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir after auditions on Jan. 7 at Midland Legacy High School.

  Junior alto Angie Klassen Enns and junior soprano Jessica Giesbrecht both became members of the all-state choir while  junior Aubrey Brown was an alternate. 

  “Both Jessica and Angie have phenomenal work ethic and I think that’s the main reason,” choir Director Eric Hindman said. “They obviously love singing or they wouldn’t be doing this, but their work ethic is what pushed them over the top.”   

  Hindman said there is great talent all over the West Texas area, so the vocalists had to have determination and perseverance to make it to the all-state choir.

  “Those are the two big things that describe both of them.,” Hindman said. “They have commitment to making the music come alive and working on their own tone and their vocal sound all the time as well as taking the music and making it shine  and be something worthy of applause.”

  Klassen Enns said the auditions were nerve wracking at first.  

  “All you can think is ‘Am I going to make it?’ and ‘What if I don’t?’” Klassen Enns said, “but it’s just getting yourself together right before your moment,  taking a deep breath and just giving it your best shot.”

  While Klassen Enns made the all-state choir two years ago, Giesbrecht was a first timer.

  “It feels pretty good,” Giesbrecht said. “ I feel very honored.  I really don’t know how to explain it, but it feels pretty good to know I made it.”

  Klassen Enns saw the selection to the all-state choir as redemption.

  “Not making it my sophomore year after making it my freshmen year it was kind of disappointing,” Klassen Enns said. “I was this close to making it, but I am really excited to get this opportunity again.”