Students, who reached the highest level that high school musicians can achieve, performed in the The All-State Jazz Choir. (Submitted photo)
HORSHAM — Hatboro-Horsham School District was proud to have high school student Audrey Kim perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival and Director of Choral Activities Charlie Masters serve as a guest conductor.
Kim reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensemble for All-State Jazz Choir.
“Singing at PMEA is truly a once in a lifetime experience. It was so amazing being immersed in so much talent,” said Kim. “Everyone was in sync, and there was something so satisfying about having so many powerful voices singing together.”
Each year, thousands of high school musicians across the state audition in their geographic area. Individually, students perform for a panel of judges. Student musicians who rank the highest advance to compete against student musicians from other parts of PMEA Regions. The highest-ranking student musicians at the PMEA Region level qualify to perform in one of six Pennsylvania All-State music ensembles.
“We congratulate the student musicians that have been selected to be part of the 2023 PMEA All-State Festival,” commented PMEA President and music educator in the Octorara Area School District Scott Cullen. “Coming together for a unique performance experience like the PMEA All-State Festival is a top honor for student musicians in Pennsylvania. They represent all of the amazing music programs from across the commonwealth. What these students can do as an ensemble in a few short days and hours together is truly remarkable.”
PMEA Jazz was a completely new experience for Kim, but enjoyed the familiarity of being conducted by Masters outside of Hatboro-Horsham. In only a few days, Kim was also able to make many close friends.
“The music, the atmosphere, the water park, the guest bands, and most of all, the people, were really all amazing,” said Kim. “PMEA has definitely been a highlight in my high school experience.”
Kim and the student musicians who qualified performed at the annual PMEA All-State Festival at the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, from April 19-22, 2023. Nationally recognized conductors at the convention direct the groups who rehearse for two days and conclude with a performance.
Hatboro-Horsham’s Masters is one of PMEA All-State Guest Conductors for Vocal Jazz. Masters is a past recipient of the American Choral Directors Association of Pennsylvania Young Conductor Award and the Eastern Division Lannon Endowment Award. He is an active guest conductor, directing the 2009, 2014 and 2018 PMEA District Vocal Jazz Festivals, as well as conducting several county festivals in Pennsylvania and New York.
“I am humbled to have had the opportunity to conduct the 2023 All-State Vocal Jazz ensemble. Working with the best student musicians in the state of Pennsylvania was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am grateful for the hard work and efforts put forth by the students and their individual school choir directors,” said Masters. “We gathered with the intention of assembling one of the best vocal jazz ensembles in the state, and the students exceeded the expectations by performing with professional level musicianship, energy and passion. Additionally, it was a blast to collaborate with one of our own Hatboro-Horsham music student leaders, and I am very proud of Audrey and all of the All-State Vocal Jazz students for their outstanding performance.”
Learn more about the event and the guest conductors at: