On Friday, April 3, FHN’s choir groups headed to Warrenton High School for their State competition. Every choir group went, which included Knightsound, treble, and concert choir.

“It took a lot of preparation,” choir director Lorraine Smith said. “We have been working at it for a while.”

At the competition, each choir group had to perform two pieces of music. Members of the choir had to work together and make sure they had sight reading down. Each choir group had to look over a piece of music they have never seen before and sing it in four minutes. FHN’s choir chose to break down the four minutes giving them self three minutes to talk through the song then sing it and then one minute to get help with the song, and after that, they were able to perform.

Judges at the competition score choirs on a scale from one-five, one being the best and five being the worst. Preparing for the competition payed off for FHN’s choir because each scored high at the competition. Knightsound received all ones, and concert choir and treble choir both received three ones and a two. Overall, the FHN choirs exceeded in getting a rating of one.

“[The competition] was nerve-racking and exciting all at the same time,” junior Jessica Jimenez said.

Not only did choir go to Warrenton for overall choir contests, but on May 2 they will be heading to Mizzou for State solo and ensemble. Students tried out for this back in March at districts and were judged. Those who received a one either in their ensembles or soloist performances qualified for State. Smith helps ensembles with their songs, but when it comes to soloists, their specific voice teacher helps them get ready for State solo and ensemble.

“Everybody is really good and is eager to get a one,” Smith said. “Only the best of the best get ones, they are held to a higher level of expectation. It’s hard to say [if soloist and ensembles will receive ones.] We have good potential to get ones; we have a lot of good ensembles, but it’s hard to tell with soloists because they work with their voice teacher.”