Eight students from Ebenezer Middle School recently participated in the Georgia Music Educator’s Association (GMEA) All-state Chorus held in Savannah Feb. 21-22.  

In order to qualify for the prestigious chorus, eighth graders Josie Beebe, Brandon Jones, Justin Reid, Taylor Rines, Rachel Wood and seventh graders Lindsay Bell, Karly Jackson and Dana LaValley had to pass a two-part audition where they had to individually sing a prepared solo, sing three different scales and sight-read music they had never seen.  

According to EMS Chorus Director Lawanda Allen, this was the largest All-state Chorus representation ever for the middle school.  “We are very proud of them,” stated Allen.

The GMEA All-state Chorus allows selected students to work with other students of equal caliber under the direction of highly qualified conductors. Selection to a GMEA All-state Chorus is GMEA’s way of recognizing excellence in musical knowledge, technique and interpretation.  Students receiving an All-state Chorus assignment must have first received a passing score at the district audition and then again at the regional audition.