By Gabriella Coffin – Staff Reporter

Members of the Jonathan Law Band and Choir recently attended CMEA Regionals on January 20.

Twenty-five music students were accepted into the CMEA program – 21 from the Choir program and four from the Band program. They each worked very hard to achieve where they are with the CMEA program as well as what they will do moving forward. 

“CMEA is a music competition with students all over the state and we all audition to be apart of a Regionals Festival where all selected students sing together,” sophomore Christopher Serrano said. ”It is a very different experience than I am used to because I am used to being directed by (Law Choir Director) Ms. Jones. CMEA people are mixed into Mix Choir and Treble Choir and each group has different songs to perform by the end of the weekend.”

The CMEA audition involves three sections, with students singing two major scales with correct pitches, tempo, and rhythm. Students are required to perform an Italian Aria with correct vocal techniques, which is unusual as they are singing solo rather than in an ensemble. 

“For Choir, I spend a decent amount of time helping the students with sight reading during and after school,” Choir Director Ms. Jones said. “This is a skill that really we could spend entire class periods for weeks, months and even years in order to become truly proficient in.”

Despite the many nerves from the students, the concert turned out to be beautiful.

“The audition process was not bad, although I was extremely nervous because it was my first time doing something like this,” junior Sarah Ahmed said. “But after I got accepted, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”

During the weekend of the concert, the students in the CMEA program took a bus to rehearse with other students from all around the state. 

CMEA is known for its talented student musicians who wish to further their musical talents. It provides a place for students of all regions of Connecticut to meet other people and form bonds with people who also have an interest in music.

“It felt amazing to be selected for CMEA this year,” freshman McKenzie Forte said.” I have been in many other orchestra and band programs before, but CMEA is a very special place to meet others with the same interests as you, due to the auditioning process. If a student or inspired young musician wants to prepare for a future audition or have a chance of getting into CMEA some time throughout their high school career, it is always good to practice.”