All-Eastern Choir (PB)

I just spent the last six days with a group of over one-hundred female vocalists.  I was so nervous that they were going to be snotty and very full of themselves.  I was more worried about the girls that were going to be at All Easter, than whether or not I actually knew the music. 

For those of you who are unaware, the National Association for Music Education, NAfME, is an organization that promotes music ensembles across the country.  I was chosen, after making it to State Chorus in my sophomore year, to go to Providence, Rhode Island and perform in the Treble Voice Chorus, or the all girls chorus.  This All Eastern ensembles consist of students from 12 states in the northeastern part of the United States.  The All-Eastern conference only happens every two years.  It was quite an honor for me to have been selected.

Back to the actual festival itself: When I finally arrived to Providence, I was thrown into a room full of teenage girls that I had never met before in my entire life.  It was only slightly terrifying.  But after talking to some of the girls and meeting my roommate, I discovered that I should not have been worried about whether or not they girls were going to be full of themselves.  They were all so nice!  Everyone got along beautifully and I was very relieved. 

The first night of practice (this was actually the second day, though, because I traveled on Wednesday up to Buffalo) went until ten o'clock.  Mind you, I had to wake up at four in the morning that day to catch a flight.  I was exhausted by the end of Thursday, the first day.  Upon going back to our rooms after practice, I learned that my roommate and I had a lot in common and she was ridiculously nice.   

The second day of practice was very long and tiring, but it was still enjoyable.  The food was very good at the hotel where we rehearsed, ate, and slept.  At the end of the night, all of the ensembles met at a concert.  Naturally Seven performed and they were phenomenal! If you have never heard of them, I suggest that you look them up and watch videos of them online, because they are very talented. 

The third day of the festival itself was also very long, but even more enjoyable than the second day.  After we finished rehearsal a little after lunch, the choir was given time to shop at the mall.  This mall was seriously the best.  It was three stories high and had the coolest stores in it.  I was in heaven.  We also were served an extravagant dinner at a local hotel and watched the All-Eastern Jazz Band's performance. 

The fourth day started off early.  This was the day of our concert and everyone was so excited!  The concert sounded absolutely amazing and I was so sad to see All-Eastern come to an end.

This is the hotel where I stayed, which was attached to
 the auditorium where the concert was performed

This entire trip was such a great experience.  I would not have traded this opportunity for the world.  I am beyond honored for having been selected and able to perform in such a high level choir.  I am still amazed at what the human voice can do.

The most important thing that I learned during this trip was  to remember that every time I am performing, I have the power to change the world.  This was a lesson that was taught by our guest conductor.  She said that every time you sing, there is a chance that someone's life could be touched by the lyrics or the sound, and that could morph into a change in the world.  And as a performer, we should always strive to change the world in whatever way we can. 

All-East was great.  The week flew by, but I am still very glad to be home.  I am dreading all of the work I have to make up, but the experience that I was a part of makes all the homework worth it.