All-State Choir 2022

Emily Bolling ‘23, Ella Farias ‘25, Grace Lunsford ‘22 and Olivia Shoemaker ‘25, SBS choir students, will perform in the Texas All-State Small School Choir as part of the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association Convention. High school students selected to perform in the All-State concerts competed with over 70,000 students statewide through auditions to qualify at the state level. First competing in TMEA regions, these students progressed on to area competitions where only the top 2.6% of students who initially auditioned became All-State musicians. 

All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive, and the upcoming performance for thousands of attendees will be held in San Antonio on February 12, 2022, as a culmination of their success. Congratulations to Emily, Ella, Grace and Olivia on this remarkable accomplishment!

Director of Choral Music Becky Martin praised the hard work of these students, saying, “Making an All-State choir in the state of Texas is a difficult task. I was very impressed by my students’ perseverance and their willingness to work on the details of the music and all that is required for these highly competitive auditions.” She added, “I am extremely proud of them and look forward to their participation in the All-State choir rehearsals and performance. I know they will represent the very best of SBS.”  

Freshman Olivia Shoemaker received the prestigious award of first chair alto, the top of her voice part in the small school choir. “I had so much fun at TMEA and met so many amazing people,” said Olivia. “This experience has improved my voice so much, and Ms. Martin has been such a huge supporter of me.”

Ella Farias shared similar sentiments. “Making TMEA All-State Choir is such a huge honor, and I could not have done it without the support and help of Ms. Martin. I greatly enjoyed the experience of going through the TMEA audition process, and it helped me to grow vocally this year.” 

Choir, even competitively, is about more than vocal improvement. Grace Lundsford ‘22 said, “My favorite part about TMEA was getting to spend time with my friends during the process. I am so thankful for the moments we have all shared together this year.” Ella added, “Choir at SBS really is a family, and everyone is so supportive of each other. Every day in choir, I know that I can just take a breather from my busy day and get to do what I love with people I love.”

Junior Emily Bolling said, “Choir has meant a great deal to me throughout middle school and high school at SBS. It has been such a blessing to have Ms. Martin as a mentor and teacher.” She continued, “Ms. Martin teaches me how I can glorify our Lord and magnify His name with the gifts He has given me.” 

Director of Arts Cindy Blades praises Ms. Martin as “a gift to the SBS Choral Department who has exponentially increased the level of excellence in the choral programs.” She concludes, “Ms. Martin has challenged our students vocally and has given them the confidence they need to succeed in displaying their God-given talents.”

Without a doubt, SBS has a talented choral program, director and student musicians! 

TMEA All-State Small School Choir Members

Olivia Shoemaker ‘25 - 1st Chair Alto

Emily Bolling ‘23 - 3rd Chair Alto

Grace Lunsford ‘22 - 2nd Chair Soprano

Ella Farias ‘25 - 4th Chair Soprano