Staff Report

Two La Mirada High students were recently selected as members of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) All State Honor Choir, a prestigious ensemble that offers student musicians the opportunity to work with peers from across the state to create and perform a concert of challenging music in less than three days.

Students are selected based not just upon their talent, but their dedication and choice to spend extra time doing what it takes to qualify.

LMHS students accepted into ACDA All State Honor Choir are seniors Kelsey Garcia and Courtney Johnson, who will perform with the ensemble on Saturday, Feb. 13 for the California All State Music Education Conference in San Jose.

“Norwalk-La Mirada is committed to fostering our students’ creativity, whether it’s musical performance or visual arts,” said NLMUSD Board President Karen Morrison. “Being selected to sing with some of the best choral students in the state just shows they are getting the instruction and the encouragement to really refine their craft,” she said.

Garcia and Johnson were selected from a pool of 1,000 high school students across California to join the All-State Honor Choir after advancing from the choir’s regional counterpart – the Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA), which encourages young musicians to pursue creative and rewarding professions in music. LMHS junior Edward Si Joon Yoo was also accepted into this highly selective ensemble after completing an audition process that included sight-reading, tonal memory, scales, and the preparation of an Italian aria or a poem or other text set to music.

“It is a unique and exciting opportunity for high school musicians that they will remember for the rest of their lives.” said Evan Eliason, director of the LMHS String and Choral music program. ”These students worked very hard both in class and after school to prepare for their auditions and are well deserving of their positions in the Regional and All State Honor Choirs.”

Garcia and Johnson are honored to be part of such a prestigious choral ensemble.

“When I found out I was accepted, I was very excited to be given such an incredible opportunity to grow as a vocalist,” said an elated Johnson.  “Honor choir is a once in a lifetime experience and I am so blessed to be a part of it.”

“Above all, what I enjoy most about my involvement in Honor Choir is being surrounded by so many talented vocalists. Their level of achievement really showed during rehearsal,” added Garcia.

Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian applauded the students’ accomplishment, citing the District’s commitment to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in the arts.

“Our talented music students have earned an experience of a lifetime with their dedication to their passion,” said Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian. “We are extraordinarily proud of them and their instructors for earning this honor and for representing Norwalk-La Mirada Unified in both the regional and all state choirs,” she said.