Top in State

Each fall, over 70,000 Texas high school students from both public and independent schools begin the All-State choir audition journey. Through a rigorous audition process over the fall semester, students are narrowed by region and area until they ultimately reach the state round. This year, Second Baptist School had 3 students receive state recognition: Olivia Shoemaker ‘25, Ella Farias ‘25 and Emily Bolling ‘23. 

Most impressively, SBS sophomore Olivia Shoemaker was awarded first chair, alto in the All-State Small School Mixed Choir for the second year in a row! At this level, only four students state-wide are selected for each voice part, making her achievement especially prestigious. “This is an amazing accomplishment for a young singer,” claims Director of Choral Music Becky Martin. “Olivia was competing against some outstanding juniors and seniors both years. Her work ethic is much of the reason she was able to accomplish this high honor.”

Ella Farias ‘25 was recognized as fourth chair, soprano, and Emily Bolling ‘23 was named second alternate for the alto voice part. Membership in the 112-student All-State Small School Choir is truly a feat of great achievement, with students selected from all over the state. Moreover, students who participate in the All-State choirs statistically score higher on standardized tests; in fact, Texas All-State musicians have consistently scored on average 22% higher on the SAT than the national average and about 26% higher than the Texas average.

“We are thrilled for our students selected to the TMEA All-State Small School Choir,” continued Becky Martin. “This is a culmination of months of work on difficult choir literature. Our region and area auditions have become more competitive each year. Truly the very best of the best are selected.”

Director of Arts Cindy Blades summarized, “Olivia Shoemaker, Ella Farias and Emily Bolling are amazing choral vocalists and well-deserving of accolades. Recognition from TMEA is  prestigious and very difficult to achieve. Under the esteemed direction of Becky Martin, these students achieved these distinguished awards.”