By Sydney Simpson – News Editor 

Eleven Jonathan Law music students who recently auditioned for CMEA’s All-State Honors Ensemble found out on March 11 that they had qualified for this prestigious group. 

CMEA stands for Connecticut Music Educators Association, and it is a group of the best high school musicians in the state. Getting an All-State title is a big deal, and Molly Murray, an alto and a senior member of the Jonathan Law choir, is among the students who made it in. 

“I am very excited that I was accepted into All-State again,” Murray said. “I got into All-State my sophomore year so I am excited to go back and see how it will be this year, due to it being virtual.”

The 11 students that qualified were Murray, Joseph Soto, Ike Opayemi, Kalli Kinsman, Emma Vaccino, Shruti Simhadri, Ashley Leparik, Rani Roderick, Jasper Chu, Oliver Harrigan, and Christopher Rickard.

The audition this year was a recording rather than in-person. One part of the audition, the sight reading, was also omitted this year due to COVID and everyone who auditioned was automatically given 40 points. 

“This year we had to have a piece called ‘Domine Fili Unigente’ prepared, which is in Latin as well as two scales,” Murray said. “(Choir Director)Ms. Jones would have rehearsals to go over the piece, but ultimately everyone who auditioned had to learn the piece on their own time, which takes a lot of time and hard work.” 

The next step for Jonathan Law’s All-State festival participants is to learn the songs they will be performing for it. 

“For Law choir, we will likely be learning a new piece in the future, and releasing a virtual choir performance on the piece,” said Murray. “Check out the Law Choir Twitter later this month to see our virtual choir performance of ‘Earth Song.’”