All-State music auditions have been submitted and are now being judged. Due to COVID-19, auditions were moved from in-person sites with judges to recordings then sent to judges. Iowa High School Music Association Executive Director Alan Greiner explains what is happening now, “The adjudication process begins the 22nd. And the judges have three days to review all of those recordings, make their determinations, and by the end of the day Saturday we’ll have made the determinations we need for the band, choir, and orchestra. And on Sunday, the 24th, we’ll have a public release of those results.”

Greiner explained that students are required to submit segments in their entirety without stopping with a clock in the background to verify. He says one of the biggest challenges for students are the scales, “The biggest challenge is scales. Before they used to have to do three scales. One scale was picked by the student, they could choose what scale they wanted to do, and they’d pull a card and on that card there’d be two more scales. So, a total of three scales. Now they have to do all 12. And they have to do all 12 in sequence without stopping. It’s a significant challenge. And that will be maybe one of the largest changes that they have to adapt to as they’re preparing these materials.”

There will not be a festival this year, but students will still receive All-State recognition and a medal, and they’ll be designated a part just as they would for any other year.

Washington students auditioning
Choir:
Allison Rees
Bailey Rees
Makynna Morgan

Band:
Mikaila Matheson – Flute
Julianna Watson – Oboe
Chris Wallerich – Baritone Sax
Charlotte Windmill – Trumpet
Quentin Howard – Trombone
Kevin Flannery – Tuba
Quinn Wubbena – Percussion