On Jan. 24-27, seniors Hayden Renaud and Christopher Johnson participated in the Missouri All-State Choir concert. The events, including practices and performances, were held in the Margaritaville Resort at Lake of the Ozarks.
Prior to the actual week of all-state activities, Johnson and Renaud attended several rehearsals to practice the fundamentals of the selected music.
“We prepared by having two mandatory rehearsals with the other people who were going from our district. [We were] trying to get the basics of the music learned before we actually went there so that we could work on the true musicality and art of it while we were there,” said Renaud.
Once at the convention, the musicians had several practices with few breaks.
“We were constantly in rehearsals, many rehearsals each day. We had some downtime, but mostly it was just rehearsals and then the performance was on Saturday,” said Johnson.
The hard work was more than worth it for Renaud.
“I love making music with other talented individuals. It is truly one of my greatest passions and I think there is no type of music as rooted in the hearts of people as choral music is,” said Renaud.
The music wasn’t the only inspiring aspect of the trip. Johnson credits the notable guest conductor for the concert.
“It was incredible. Our conductor Maria Guinand… She’s a world renowned conductor. She’s been in many, many, many countries. And she picked amazing pieces, and she just elevated them so much with all the different techniques she had,” said Johnson. “And all the other choir members too- there were about 200 of us, and it was an amazing experience. Being in rehearsals and performing with that many people who love music as much as I do.”
Both performers rated the convention very highly in the preparations, the music performed, and the overall experience.
“It was truly incredible. The music we performed was one of the single greatest accomplishments thus far in my life,” stated Renaud. “That audience loved it and getting to perform for an audience of several thousand and then know that, at the end when they were cheering and applauding, that it was all for us, that was the most incredible feeling.”
