Congratulations to Honesdale High School senior, Ella Sherman on being accepted into the Pennsylvania All-State Choir this April. This is Ella’s second time in her high school career to receive this honor.

This has been a year like no other with the PMEA performing ensembles being no exception. All of the auditions this year have been held virtually as well as all of the festivals themselves. Ella submitted her audition in October and was accepted to the PMEA District Chorus along with 20 other students on her voice part. From there Ella submitted audition videos to be accepted into the PMEA Region Chorus and finally into the PMEA All-State choir. Ella is one of 25 students on her voice part in the state of Pennsylvania to participate in the choir.

The choir will meet virtually from April 14-17. The students will be using Zoom to meet and rehearse with each other and a guest conductor. Instead of a final live concert the festival will conclude with a compilation of student videos in one virtual choir video.

Ella is an active member of her high school music program. Throughout high school Ella has participated in Chorus, Chamber Choir, Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, the All-School Musical, and she is the WVIA Performing Artist of the Week from HHS.

Her choir director, Mrs. Martha Curtis, states “I am so proud of Ella for all of her accomplishments throughout her high school career. Ella always works hard and is not afraid to reach the high goals that have been set for her.” Mrs. Curtis has only had one other student in her teaching career that has been accepted into the All-State Choir twice.

“This is such an astonishing achievement and there is no other student that has worked harder and deserves this recognition more than Ella” she states.

When asked about her experience with the All-State Choir Ella states: “I am honored to have had the privilege of participating in the PMEA festivals throughout my high school career. I feel that these experiences have helped me to grow as a musician. They have taught me hard work and dedication. I am happy that I was able to participate my senior year even though it is not the same as the other years. These festivals have made me realize that I want to continue music after high school.”

After high school Ella plans to attend Penn State University, main campus to major in Music Education. Even though her high school career is almost over she is continuing to push herself to end her senior year on a high note.