Two Concert Belles have been selected to the 2024 Arkansas Choral Directors Association All-State Choir, a distinction that sets them apart as some of the top high school choral performers in the state. Congratulations to Maya Johnson ’25 (9th chair) and Isabella Nguyen ’25 (7th chair) for earning All-State recognition. This is the third straight year for Isabella to receive this honor and the second for Maya.
“I was not surprised at all to learn that Maya and Isabella had made All-State,” Chelsea Allman, MSM choral director, said. “These two musicians have superior work ethics and above-average musical abilities. As a choir director, it is always an honor to work with students who can do just about anything and often give the director themself a run for their money. Maya and Isabella learned this incredibly difficult music with little to no help from me, because that is how good they are! We had a great time at the All-State Music Conference, and I look forward to what the MSM choir students will accomplish in the future.”
As part of this year’s All-State Choir, Maya and Isabella spent February 15-17 in Hot Springs at the All-State Music Conference. They participated in intense rehearsals alongside the state’s other top choral performers, directed by some of the country’s most prestigious and acclaimed choir directors. The event concluded with a public concert on Saturday afternoon showcasing the music the students learned as well as their incredible talent.
Earlier in the fall, several members of the Concert Belles participated in auditions for All-Region choirs. Those earning recognition and participating in the All-Region Clinic in November included: Isabella (2nd chair), Maya (3rd chair), Aubree McCollough ’24 (12th chair), Mary Kate Finch ’25 (25th chair), Rachel Dam ’27 (42nd chair), Ella Burdine ’24 (49th chair) and Clara Principe ’24 (51st chair).
The Concert Belles will participate in the regional Choral Performance Assessment in March with the hopes of becoming eligible to participate in the ArkCDA’s State Choral Festival in April. The ensemble scored superior ratings and won Best in Class 6A Treble Large Ensemble at the 2023 Festival.
Congratulations to Maya and Isabella, and best of luck to the Concert Belles in next month’s Choral Performance Assessment!
