As the winter months roll around, PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) continues their tradition of district competitions for Choir, Jazz, Acapella, Orchestra, and Band, and last week was District Choir. Many Juniata students attended including, Alivia Foltz, Brody Noerr, Jacee Price, Julia Martin, Kade Wagner, Marissa Erhard, Shylynn Hile, and Yaa Serwaa. Senior Marissa Erhard and Sophomore Brody Noerr shared their thoughts about their experiences.
District Choir begins by performing in front of your Choir director. When I asked Noerr and Erhard how they felt about the initial audition, both believed that their first auditions did not fully reach their full expectations going in. After finding out he was selected, Noerr was very shocked that he got in, while Erhard was confident she earned her spot with her audition even though she wasn’t as confident in her performance.
Both described the experience as chaotic and stressful, but said, for the most part, it was fun to sing in a group of strangers you get to bond with, especially after the second auditions that take place at the event.
Erhard felt nervous going into her second audition, but only until song selection. She was very happy with her placement of 5th chair. Noerr, however, did not feel the same. When I asked him about how he felt he said, “Bad, bad, bad. Very nervous. 17 out 18” which I think sums up his experience. Erhard spoke positively about the conductor. She said, “I personally really liked Dr. Aragunde and the way she taught the music. She was very entertaining yet also knowledgeable about the music. I’ve worked with several other directors before and I think she was one of the best”. The conductor makes the experience, and as a district band participant, so I’m glad they got someone great. Both Erhard and Noeer said their favorite song was “Prayer of the Children”.
Of their final moments performing on stage, Noerr simply stated, “I loved it and I’m proud of my hard work”. Erhard affirmed that with, “I feel like the final performance was very good and I heard some great reviews from people in the audience. I think it was very high energy and serious when it needed to be, and it was definitely emotional for “Prayer of the Children” which ended the concert”.
The interview ended with discussing what each gained from the experience. Erhard's answer was, “This being my last district choir, I’ve learned so much from my experience at district festivals over the years and I wouldn’t be the singer I am today without the experiences I’ve had through them. From this festival, I learned the importance of music and these events for everyone who experiences them whether it’s going to them or just attending the concert.” District choir is a one of a kind experience and I’m glad I got to talk to these two about it.
JHS would would also like to congratulate Erhard and Foltz for their acceptance into Regional Chorus.