Two choir members auditioned Nov. 11 at the pre-area level at the all state choir process. Both Grant Peterson and Clay Mobley auditioned successfully to move on to the area auditions at Texas A&M Commerce. Area auditions will determine who sings at the all-state choir in San Antonio in February.

voice over by Maribeth Mills

Update to story:

Senior Grant Peterson and junior Clay Mobley auditioned at the Texas Music Educators Association Area Choir auditions Jan.10, for placement into a Texas All State Choir.

“I am very grateful for the passion and enthusiasm these two young men possess,” choir director Terry Berrier said.

The auditions were held on the campus of Texas A&M Commerce. Both Mobley and Peterson earned the right to sing at All State.

“Our ‘journey’ to All State has been very enjoyable for me because of their work ethic, but also because they are just terrific people,” Berrier said.

Mobley is a second-year All-State singer in the Bass 2 section. He will sing with the Men’s Choir.

“I felt very well prepared and confident with the songs I was going to be auditioning with,” Mobley said.”I messed up a little on the sight reading and I was still able to make it into the men’s all state choir.”

Peterson garnered the Area’s top rank as a Tenor 2 to sing with the Mixed Choir.  Both of these musicians spent countless hours learning and polishing very difficult music, and they survived three auditions.

“I was a little nervous being in this competition for the first time,” Peterson said. “I was confident in myself but I wasn’t over confident. The music was difficult. it was one of the hardest pieces we’ve ever had in the school.”

Well over 15,000 Texas choir students began this process in August, but only 504 students will get to perform with an All State Choir.  The performances are in San Antonio during the TMEA Convention, Feb. 14.

“Both Clay and Grant have set new standards for the Wylie East Choir department, and I applaud them,” Berrier said.

**Allie Dorsey contributed to this story