Seth Goheen: 

 Q: What instrument do you play? 

 A:I play baritone saxophone for jazz and tuba for orchestra and wind ensemble.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: Two years.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: Exhausted. I was feeling prepared but the repetition of practicing the same music can be overwhelming at times. A few weeks after my audition, I went back and listened to my recordings and I was actually happy with them. In the moment of trying to get the best possible take I was unhappy with them, and I settled for the one I thought was the best. 

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: Since State Jazz is a video audition, I was unhappy with it. The reason is because with a video, you have unlimited attempts to get a good recording, so in a sense it has to be perfect. This desire for perfection left me mentally drained of the whole process. But I never gave up hope.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States?

A: Mr. Detwiler called me into his office and I knew the results were coming out that morning. He showed me the roster and I looked at Bari sax and it was my name. I could not really believe it. I was very eager, but at the same moment I realized how much work I would have to put into the folder and get even better so that I can benefit the state jazz band. 

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: Yes, I made it to states my sophomore year, so I felt like I had to make it again or else it would look unimpressive. Practice routine was simply a method of looking at the pieces every single day, spending lots of time with minor details. I play alongside recordings a lot. Also, I record myself constantly, that way I can listen to myself play without thinking about playing. This gives me an opportunity to catch mistakes I didn’t catch while playing. Since my audition piece was three minutes of straight bebop playing, I tried to get my endurance up a ton. Doing lots of long tones until I physically could not any longer, to strengthen my embouchure. 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mentors that I personally know would be: My grandpa – He is always supportive of me doing what I love to do. He always makes me laugh and brings my mood up. My sister – She always loves to hear me play. I appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler for always being able to joke around with me and have fun.

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A:  I will never stop playing music for the rest of my life, no matter what. 

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: Although it is not my last year, since I made states I have an opportunity to try for All-East. I love going to PMEA and I am very excited to improve and meet people there.

Sarah Saylor: 

Q: What instrument do you play?

A:  I play the flute for wind ensemble, double bass for orchestra, and double bass/bass guitar for jazz.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: Three years.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I always feel nervous leading to an audition, but I felt especially prepared for regional band because I had practiced so much and knew I had done everything I could to do my best.

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: Leaving the audition room, I was actually happy with my audition, which never happens. I just finally played and relaxed. I was nervous for the results, but I knew after the audition, there wasn’t anything I could have really done better.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: I was so scared that morning, I remember shaking because I wanted to qualify so bad. They announce chairs from last to first, so I was hoping that I would get first, since I had to get first to qualify for states. Out of the 10 flute players, I got first on my part and out of the 20 flutes (on both parts), I got first overall. Since there were a lot of talented flute players, I was really happy.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: Yes. Since I have qualified for states my sophomore and junior years, I felt the pressure for me to do it again, especially with it being my senior year. I really wanted to qualify for flute because I have done State/All-East orchestra and State jazz with bass. In order to ensure I did my best at Regionals, I would usually practice my flute two hours a day during the school week and three hours a day on the weekends. I would practice in 45-50 minute increments and set a goal for myself each time I practiced so I was productive. I also imagined myself auditioning a lot. I would think of what type of mindset I would have, how I would breathe, how I would set the correct tempo and feel for the excerpt, and relax.

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mr. and Mrs. Detwiler have been there to guide me whenever I needed any help, gave me encouraging words and motivation, and went out of their way to ensure my success. My private lesson teachers have also done everything in their power to make sure all of my music was at the best it could be for every festival and helped me fix each detail I needed to. I have amazing musical friends that have been there to motivate me, especially all of the ones that have qualified for states. All of my immediate family is very supportive of me with music. They have helped pay for lessons, come to my concerts, and help pay for my instruments/supplies. Out of everyone, my mom has been my greatest mentor. She has given me so many opportunities: taking me to all of my lessons, helping me to pay for all of my instruments/supplies, pushing me to be the absolute best I can be, and always being there for me no matter what, in music and in life. I would not have accomplished or be the person I am today without her. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: I’m planning to attend Penn State University Park to major in music education (with double bass) and minor in flute performance. I hope to be involved in many ensembles while in college and play in professional ensembles once I graduate and become good enough. 

Q: For you, this is your last year of high school and last year participating in PMEA. What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: Making it to States meant the most this year because ever since I started flute at the end of second grade, I wanted to be an All-State flute player, and now it’s actually happening. I had this sense of relief because I knew all of my hard work paid off, and I get to say I have attended three different state festivals throughout all of my years of high school.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

A: Music has always been the thing that has brought me the most joy. The people I have met and the memories/progress I have made is so amazing. I am so happy that I have done PMEA throughout high school. It’s taught me a lot about myself as a musician and a person. As a musician, it has helped me improve in pretty much every aspect of my playing. I think as a musician rather than simply a player. In life, it has taught me the value of hard work and confidence. I learned that I really need to work hard and diligently to reach my goals. In terms of confidence, I need to just simply relax/have it in myself. As soon as I tell myself I will and believe in myself, I will do it, which is crazy to think that your mindset plays such an important role in your performance. Believing in yourself is key to anything in life. 

Noah Hillard:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: I play alto saxophone for wind ensemble and jazz and tuba for marching.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: Three years. 

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: During those couple of days, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. The pressure to live up what was foretold of me was a lot to deal with. I knew it was my last shot so I could either move on or go home. This helped me keep my focus and to be in the moment. Unlike my competitors, I was not nervous and I performed to the best of my ability allowing me to succeed. 

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: After my audition, I left the room knowing that I performed at my highest level. My competition was really good, competing against multiple musicians that have made States before. This left me with little confidence in myself. So I looked at the positives, knowing that I did my very best, and that I should be happy with myself. With all the preparation I did leading up to that point, it allowed me to prevail.  

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: Leading up to the upcoming discovery, I let my nerves get the best of me. When I heard my name called for placing first out of twelve people, I was filled with relief. I kept my excitement inside because I knew there were more dead people than alive. 

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: Yes, with being a first round exit for two years in a row, I had nothing to lose. I left everything I had at the festivals and in the practice room. In the practice room, I focused on my weaknesses working on them every time I was playing. One thing that makes musicians successful is their ability to listen. Having a good ear can help so much, so I spent a lot of time listening to how people would play trying to replicate them. Now that I was stylistically correct, I spent time working on my craft to make sure I would sound the best I could. Since I had my plan, I just needed to stay consistent and work every single day, which I did. 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: My parents have always supported me when it comes to music. Giving me all the resources I needed to be successful which included: my gear – constantly buying things I needed and giving me the best tools and equipment -, access to the best private lesson teachers in the area, and their own professional experience and advice. I would not be the musician I am today without them, I am very grateful to have them in my corner. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A:  I am going to Mount Aloysius College to get my Doctorate in Physicians Assistant. They only have a Theatre Department and a Vox Nova program which are groups I don’t already participate in so I will just be going to get my degree. With how involved my family is with music, music will always be a part of my life. I can ensure the day I stop playing will never come.

Q: For you, this is your last year of high school and last year participating in PMEA. What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: Making States means everything. It makes me feel that I have lived up to the expectations that were required of me. Since I am now at one of the highest levels people can achieve, it allows me to pass the torch to my younger brother Isaac, to go further than any of us ever will. 

Mackenzie Colabove:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: I play trumpet. 

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: Two years.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: I was nervous leading up to my audition, but while in the holding room talking with the other players I was excited to play. It was nice to have other people in the room who were nice and fun to talk to, which definitely helped calm me down. 

Q: How did you feel post – audition? 

A: I left the room with the biggest smile on my face; it was the best live audition I ever had. I felt so accomplished and proud of myself, and I had a good feeling about the results. 

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A:  I was relieved when I heard my name called. My parents have high expectations for me and I didn’t want to disappoint them, so being able to tell them I made States took a lot of stress off my shoulders.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: Yes, I made it once so I felt like I had to make it again. I practiced everyday for about an hour on the audition piece alone, and an additional hour on the rest of the folder. I would ask my friends/family to listen and watch me play so I wouldn’t feel nervous during the audition. My main focus was to make sure I was confident with what I was playing.

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mr. Detwiler and my friends Sarah Saylor and Seth Goheen were my greatest mentors. Mr. D helped a lot with the “mental” side of performing, like having confidence and controlling my anxiety. One of the biggest pieces of advice he’s given me was to “just play.” Sarah helped me with the technical things and gave me great tips on how to have good sound and project air, despite us playing different instruments. Not to mention she is a great motivator and always made me feel encouraged. Seth helped me with my style of playing. He plays very confidently and I take inspiration from that. I can’t thank them enough for the help they’ve given me. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: I am going to Penn State Altoona – Nese College of Nursing. I hope to keep music a part of my life; it has brought me so much joy and opportunity. I was told by my friend to think about joining the PSU Altoona Jazz Band, so I might do that. 

Q: For you, this is your last year of high school and last year participating in PMEA. What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: When I transferred to AAHS in 10th grade, I had no idea what PMEA even was. I never really considered myself an amazing player, so I didn’t do it my sophomore year in fear of failure. But my junior year came around and I got to call myself an All-State trumpet player. Making states this year means so much to me. The memories and friendships I’ve made along the way are some of the best I’ve ever had. I get to be proud of my accomplishments and appreciate my skills as a trumpet player. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

A: If you are given the opportunity to do the PMEA festivals, please do it. Do as many festivals as you can. I always wonder how things may have turned out if I had done it my sophomore year. Don’t waste time wondering about what might happen and just do it. These festivals have left me with so many memories and friends that I will never forget. Do PMEA.

Andrew Sackett:

Q: What instrument do you play?

A:  I play string bass.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A:  This is my first year in PMEA.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I was nervous leading up to the audition. I remember looking around at the other bassists and feeling intimidated by their warming up, but it did help knowing that I only needed to beat five people to get in.

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A:  I felt pretty good post-audition.  The hard part was over, but I did get pretty nervous leading up to seating. 

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A:  I was relieved that I made it in, and really happy.  My joy was hindered by the realization that I would be the only person from Altoona there, but I was still overjoyed.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: My initial goal was to make the top six in districts, but after I did, I set my sights on regions, then states.  To do this, I practiced a little bit each day, and the amount shot up as regions drew near.

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: My main mentor throughout the festivals was Mrs. Detwiler.  We do lessons every Monday, and they’re the reason I am where I am now.

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: A: I’m going to college after high school. I don’t know where, but I’m searching for a college with a good music program so I can keep playing.  I’m certain music will play a major part in college

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

 A: Making States means a lot to me. I know a lot of people who would love to have an opportunity like this, so I had to want it as badly as any of them.

Gracelynn Beldin:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: Alto one.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: This is my first year. 

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I was okay, and I felt mostly prepared until I got into the audition room where I began to get nervous and shaky. I had to tell myself to just go for it. 

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: I felt pretty decent. I wasn’t overly confident, but I didn’t think I did awfully. 

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A:  I was very excited, but then it hit me how big and overwhelming it is, so I got a bit stressed out. It’s also another thing I have to do on top of school work and other music activities, but I was overall happy with the result. 

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A:  Ideally yes, but I was also trying to tell myself that since it was my first year it was okay if I didn’t make it this year. To prepare and practice I tried to run through the folder everyday and then go back and fix little things I thought needed tweaking to be audition ready. 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mrs. Sipes because she helped out with music, but she also always had a positive attitude for the times that you needed help. She wanted you to do well in your audition just as much as you wanted to do well in your audition. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: I don’t plan for music to be my main focus when I go to college, as I plan to major in something math related; However, I do plan to keep it as a part of my life in whatever way that is.

Q:  What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: It’s an awesome experience to have when I get older, and I think it shows how hard I’ve worked on my music this year. I think it’s worth it despite it adding a bit of stress to my life.

Leah St Croix:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: Tenor one.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: This is my second year. 

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I think I could have prepared much more because once I got into the audition room I was much more nervous than I would have liked to have been. However, being around people who knew what they were doing before the audition definitely helped a lot.

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: After the audition, I thought there was absolutely no way that I was advancing. I tried not to dwell on it too much though because I knew that being at the festival and with my friends would be so much fun.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A:  I was a bit shocked. I went to States last year as an Alto II rather than a Tenor I, so I knew how hard it was to make it there; I did not think that I did as well, so it was interesting to see the difference between the two sections competition wise. I’m glad to be going back again this year, and I cannot wait to be able to hang out with Grace, Laura, and Skylar.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: It was something that I wanted to do, but because I have been busy with classes and the musical, I just decided that I wasn’t going to push myself too hard. If I made it, then I would be happy, and I did.

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mrs. Sipes has definitely been the greatest mentor in more ways than one. She took the time to record our parts so we could practice on our own, and she would also stay after school to help us with our parts. She was also just overall so supportive and genuinely believed in us all; there is no one else I would rather work with.

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: I plan on going to Tufts University to major in Linguistics, so my major will not have to do with music. However, I will probably do something with it whether it is just in the community or for an extracurricular. It has always been a big part of my life, so I doubt it is going away any time soon.

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: It means a lot to me because this is my last chance to participate in the PMEA festivals, and I love getting to see my friends from other schools at the festivals.

Jane Fox:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: Soprano one.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: This is my third year.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I felt that I was very prepared but I was nervous. I knew that if I didn’t make it that Regions would be my last festival. I just kept telling myself that no matter what happened I was going to have fun. I wish I had as much confidence in myself as everyone else had in me. I have known a lot of the Soprano 1s for years and they really believed in me. I was a lot calmer being in the room with them.

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: I wasn’t feeling too confident about my audition. I knew what I had messed up on and what I could have done better. I didn’t want to stress myself out because I couldn’t change my audition once I was done so I just tried to have fun with my friends.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: Originally, I didn’t make it to States. I got fifth chair and I was pretty disappointed because I thought that Regions was going to be my last festival. I found out on March 18 that one of the Soprano 1’s dropped out and that I was getting the chance to go to States. I was really shocked that someone dropped considering how competitive this vocal section is. My choir director was super excited for me and she made a really big deal about me getting in so it felt good.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: I definitely wanted to go to States because I wanted to end my time with PMEA to end with a bang. States has always been a goal of mine, especially since I made it my sophomore year but didn’t make it my junior year. I was determined to make it this time. I always had my folder on me and any chance I had I would work on it.

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: My greatest impact has been Mrs. Sipes. She is the reason that I take my music so seriously. My sophomore year she told me that I had the potential to go to States, and with her guidance and support, I did. She supports me no matter what and she is always there for me. She is one of my favorite people in the whole world and I don’t know where I would be without her. I am eternally grateful to her.

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: I plan on attending Marywood University to get my BFA in Musical Theatre. Music will always be a passion of mine and I will never lose my love for it. Being a performer, I will never stop singing and I don’t intend to stop. I’m going to join the choir and chamber ensembles when I go to college. Someday I hope to join the Blair Concert Chorale with my grandpa.

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A: It means so much to me to make it to States this year. This is my last PMEA festival and I am proud of myself to have made it this far. I can’t wait to perform one last time with all of my friends that I have made all these years.

Laura Reed:

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: Alto one.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: This is my first year.

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A: I felt okay. After practicing the songs for so long, I was just hoping for the best going into it, and was reading to get it over with to get rid of the stress. It was really nice talking to other people before the audition since everyone was feeling a bit nervous. 

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A: After the audition, I felt pretty okay about it. I knew that I tried my best during the audition, but there were definitely things that I could have improved on. Thinking about it too much just made me feel more nervous.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: I was very relieved that the time I spent practicing was not a waste, but I was quickly reminded how much there was still to do going forward. It really stressed me out, but it is still an amazing feeling and I’m excited to go with everyone to states. 

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: I did hope to make it to States, but since it was my first year I didn’t have any expectations. I did practice a lot to give it my best effort by running each song every day, then going back and fixing anything I was not happy with. Overall, I’m very glad for practicing a lot by myself and as a whole with Mrs. Sipes because it made the whole process less stressful. 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mrs. Sipes was definitely the greatest mentor any of us could ask for with our time with the PMEA festivals. She assisted us with learning the music, but also helped us with our confidence. There were many times where I was stressed out by all the music and the pressure of trying to make it to the next level and scoring high, but she was very helpful with being a positive influence with her attitude, which affected all of us so much for our futures. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A:  I plan on going to college after high school somewhere in Pennsylvania, but what I want to accomplish while I’m there is still up in the air. Right now, I plan on going for a music education degree to pursue a career in high school, or later a college level music teacher with choirs. I love the idea of being a teacher, and being able to combine my love of music with that is very ideal. While I’m attending school, I plan on joining the university’s choir to continue in chorus, whether I major in music or not. 

Q: What does making States this year mean to you? 

A:  It means a lot to me after working for it this year and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity, although it adds more work to do. 

Skylar Rutherford: 

Q: What vocal part do you sing?

A: Alto one.

Q: How many years have you been participating in PMEA?

A: This is my second year. 

Q: How were you feeling leading up to your States audition? 

A:  I felt severely underprepared but in reality, I was decently prepared for my audition. It’s very easy to compare your readiness to other people from other schools, but this year a lot of people felt underprepared so that made me feel better about my chances.

Q: How did you feel post-audition? 

A:  I felt fairly good about my audition but I didn’t want to jinx myself or give myself false hope. Especially since last year I was disappointed in myself for not trying hard enough to achieve the state level.

Q: What was your reaction/ how were you feeling when you discovered you made it to States? 

A: I was very relieved but also felt extremely pressured. In PMEA, there is so much music you have to engrave into your brain. Me realizing I would have to learn a whole new folder of music and go to a festival with people from all around Pennsylvania made me feel very anxious.

Q: Was your goal this year to make states? If so, what did your practice routine entail? 

A: It was one of those goals where you just kind of hoped for the best. I didn’t really expect it to actually happen, especially since there were three people from my section coming from my school and they only took the top four of each vocal part but after auditions were over, I felt very relieved and proud of myself. 

Q: Who have been your greatest mentors throughout your time with PMEA festivals? Why/ how have they impacted you? 

A: Mrs. Sipes; no matter how obvious it was that I was underprepared, she did whatever she could to help me and my peers learn the music thoroughly. Especially this year with all of the alto 1s from Altoona making States, she was so proud of us and made us feel accomplished. She never gives up on you and will always give you a chance. I look up to her and know for a fact that her and her teachings will always stay with me and affect me throughout the remainder of my schooling and my future career. 

Q: What are your plans after high school? Will music be a part of it? 

A: At first I wanted to compose music of my own due to me always having a passion for songwriting, but this year I realized I wanted to major in Psychology to become a future clinical Psychologist or therapist. Music has always been a big part of my life but after a lot of consideration, I believe that if I truly want to excel as a musician, I shouldn’t need a degree in music to do so; with that said, I do plan to keep music in my life any way that I can. I intend to join any music/vocal group I can in college, as well as continue to write my music.

Q:What does making States this year mean to you? 

A:  I’m just happy to have this opportunity; although it brings a lot of fear and anxiety, I am excited to be introduced to a new PMEA experience this year.