Alabama All-State Choir students prepare for performances

Russellville students in the Alabama All-State Choir have spent the past few months working on honing their skills in preparation for the Alabama All-State Choral Festival March 10-12 at the BJCC in Birmingham. The festival will end with the students taking part in a professionally recorded concert.

The Alabama Music Educators Association website describes the event as “an opportunity for students with outstanding ability and initiative to receive public recognition, to sing under the direction of nationally recognized choral clinicians and to perform choral literature of the highest quality.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to work with these students and help them achieve their musical goals,” said Aaron Freeman, choral director for RMS and RHS. “They have worked diligently, taking the time to practice and improve. Over the past few months, I have seen each of them grow vocally.”

Russellville members of the Alabama All-State Choir include Lakin Derrick for Middle School Treble Alto, Kaitlyn Balding for High School SSA Soprano 1, Ella Burcham for High School Soprano 2 and Morgan Jenkins for High School SATB Soprano 2.

Burcham, the only Russellville student also in the show choir, will perform Jan. 21 during the AMEA professional development conference in Birmingham.

“I have always enjoyed singing, dancing and performing on stage,” explained Burcham. “I know the rehearsals will be strenuous and lengthy, but I’m looking forward to representing RHS at the state level show choir performance Friday.” 

The organization’s website, myamea.org, describes the show choir as “an elite performance ensemble,” noting the students go through “a rigorous vocal and dance audition” to be selected.

“I’m extremely proud of everything they have accomplished,” said Freeman. “I am excited and honored to be a part of the music program in the Russellville City Schools. We are working hard to continue upholding the tradition of excellence in our schools.”