Seniors Seth Goheen and Skylar Rutherford as well as junior Gracelynn Beldin will attend All East Ensembles in April. Goheen will be advancing in All-East Jazz Band, Rutherford in All East Mixed Choir and Beldin will be advancing in Trouble Choir, which is for all girls.
The three students originally auditioned for districts in October 2023, called PMEA. From there they advanced to regions, and then states where they were able to send in a video audition.
“Last year was actually my first year of PMEA so I was shocked because in districts and regions I got first chair. I was very surprised I even made it to the states so I was not expecting to make it to the All East,” Beldin said.
Goheen auditioned with bari sax. Although he has attended PMEA before, they were not years for All East.
“To be able to submit an application you have to go to states during a qualifying year, which happened to be last year. I auditioned with bari sax since that’s what I made all-state jazz with,” Goheen said.
The audition process was the same as it was for All-States; however, applicants also had to submit a list of other states festivals they’ve qualified in. All East is selective in which each student only has one opportunity to make it. The students were already given the music for April.
“They give you a music folder which you learn all of and they choose excerpts for you to audition with,” Beldin said.
Goheen is involved with the school’s band and jazz band, so balance is key.
“I have got the folder and even though I have a lot of music to prepare for the pit orchestra, other concerts, and festivals, I make time to look at the east music so when the festival comes I am prepared,” Goheen said.
For Rutherford, she made it to All-State choir in April of 2024 therefore she was automatically considered for All-East.
“The amount of experience you have determines whether or not you get in. It’s such a big milestone for myself and the other two musicians,” Rutherford said.
