Six talented vocal music students from Waterville Primary and Fallen Timbers Middle School have been chosen to participate in the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Children's Chorus. Fourth graders Clara Shiffert, Emery Puppos and Isabella Smith, alongside fifth graders Gabriela Arvun, Olivia Murphy and Charlotte Rutz, have been dedicating their Saturday mornings to regional rehearsals. These sessions are in preparation for a full day of rehearsals and a highly anticipated performance at the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) Conference on February 6.
With the encouragement of Waterville Primary music teacher, Tai Knoll, who herself performed at the OMEA conference as a high school student, the musicians earned this honor after a rigorous audition process that began nearly a year ago.
When interviewed during a break in rehearsal, students expressed their excitement about the experience:
Clara Shiffert enjoys the practice sessions, saying, “I don’t mind the Saturday rehearsals; I would just be at home chilling anyway. It’s fun to be here.”
Emery Puppos appreciates the collaborative atmosphere and the opportunity to learn: “It’s fun because you get to practice with other people from other schools. I’m learning new music terms like crescendo and decrescendo.”
Olivia Murphy said her favorite piece of music is the song Sesere Eeye: “It’s fun and interesting to learn a different language, and there’s a dance that goes with it.”
The OMEA Conference, held at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland from February 6-8, is the third-largest professional music education event in the country. The Children’s Chorus will perform at 5:00 p.m. on February 6, with admission free and open to the public. However, as over 1,000 attendees are expected, early arrival is recommended.