At Farmington High School, choir students are getting prepared for district auditions. If they score high enough with the judges and meet the criteria, they will go to state and perform with other qualifiers.

Miley Washington, a member of the FHS choir and president of the acapella group, is gearing up for districts with the hope of qualifying for state.

“My ultimate goal for choir is either making the Missouri All-State Choir as a full member, or receiving gold rating at state for my solo!” said Washington. “I have been very close to achieving these goals over the last three years, and I can only hope that I can in this next year and the remainder of this one!”

Washington made the Missouri All-State choir as 1st Alto Alternate last November. After High School, Washington plans to major in Vocal Music Education.

Claire Naes, The High school choir director is helping to prepare her students for districts with her own past experiences when going to districts.

“I remember how it felt to be in the "hot seat" on performance day. I also use my past experiences in college and previous teaching positions. All the tricks and tips I've learned along the way, I pass on to my students.”

Nevaeh Parker, A member of the FHS choir and the president of choraliers group, explains how she fights nerves during a solo.

“In my experience, I've found it nearly impossible to fight nerves while singing a solo. If you let your nerves for the performance carry over into it, it can ruin your technique! so, the real prep goes in before you're in front of the judge and your friends at districts. My biggest advice to combat stage fright is practicing over and over again at home to know you're capable and prepared for the actual performance.”

The soloists Abigail Cook, Adrian Tinsley, Cadence Duvall, Frankie Hendrix, Henry Swinarski, Jonathon Zickuhr, Kyle Mills, Miley Washington, Remy Williams, Scarlette McCoy, and Sydnee Ross got gold on their rating, meaning they will go to state.