Cranberry’s All State All Star

Then, he was given nine new pieces to learn for the Regional Choir. He was given six weeks to prepare for the next competition. At Regions, he auditioned with two foreign language pieces.

To qualify for All State, one must chair in the top four, a feat that has not been done by a Cranberry Student in over eight years. Gladin, with plentiful hard work, was able to place fourth and earn himself a spot at the All State Competition.

Preston Yoder, the choir teacher at Cranberry High School and Trevor’s mentor for the competition, was beaming with pride when I asked him about his success:

“It's extremely exciting and satisfying for him! I can remember him specifically from seventh grade and years past always being a hard worker and never complaining. He truly deserves this experience and all that it has to offer.”

For those who have never been to a PMEA Festival, Gladin was adamant in communicating the impact that it could have on someone:

“To put it in short, the amount of music driven people around here is really put into perspective at a festival. You get more of an idea of what the talent is, and how abundant it is at a festival. You learn more about the genres and styles of music that is out there than you ever would in a high school choir. It’s all about the diversity of people and music.”

The All State Festival will begin in the Poconos on April 22nd, have four days of rehearsal, and then the concert will occur on the 25th.

Gladin would have to chair in the top ten of the Bass Twos to qualify to All East. However, unlike Region or Districts, auditioning for chairs occurs weeks before the festival. Gladin will find out which two pieces he’s auditioning with on March 16th, and send in his video audition by the 20th. He will know his chairing the following week, and then continue to prepare for the concert in the following month.

Gladin notes that he would like to thank Mr. Yoder, all of his friends, his parents, and Mr. Smith for all of their support.