Two Rams Selected for 2021 Missouri All-State Choir

Congratulations to two MICDS Rams on being selected by way of virtual audition to the 2021 Missouri All-State Choir! Samantha Iken ’22 and Isaac Angelo Layugan ’22 were selected to the choir following an intense, three-part, virtual audition that included a prepared vocal solo, a sight-singing component, and a virtual quartet audition. Each component of the blind audition was adjudicated by high school and collegiate choral directors from throughout the state. Over 1,000 high school juniors and seniors from throughout the state auditioned for the choir, and only 192 students were selected.

“The audition process for the Missouri All-State Choir has always been tough,” said Dana Self, Upper School Performing Arts Teacher. “The COVID-19 pandemic changed the audition process by shifting the auditions from in-person to virtual, but the hours of practicing, musical literacy, and the musical excellence required of these auditioners remains the same. Unfortunately, the choir will not meet to rehearse or perform this year due to the pandemic, but being named to this prestigious ensemble is still a tremendous honor.”

Upon earning this distinction, Layugan shared, “I’ve always been in at least one choir for many years ever since kindergarten, actually, but I’d never heard of District Choir or All-State Choir before coming to MICDS. Choir has always been one of my true passions—singing either in unison or in harmony with a group of other people has always been so exciting to me. My first time singing as a bass rather than a soprano was actually at MICDS. Looking back at my experience throughout the years, I realize that I’ve never taken the time to see how far I’ve made it or appreciate all the people who helped me along the way. These last couple of years of choir at MICDS will most definitely be memorable.”

Bravo, Samantha and Isaac Angelo!