LOVELOCK - Pershing County High School senior Victoria Mapson represented PCHS at the Nevada Music Educators Association's (NMEA) All-State Choir concert held April 19 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mapson was one of 245 of Nevada's top high school singers at the event.
The NMEA is an association of music educators dedicated to the unity of music educators and ensuring that today's students have a comprehensive education that includes music, according to the NMEA website at www.nmeamusic.org.
It was a long and sometimes stressful road to get to the All-State Choir, Mapson said, but she is glad she persevered through it.
"The auditions were nerve-wracking. I didn't think I was going to make it. There were a lot of great singers," Mapson said.
"Victoria is a deserving music student who has worked hard for all her academic achievements, including music. It was no surprise to me that she made All-State Choir," PCHS Music Director Bryan Ringo said.
"Being in this choir also builds up confidence which leads to better auditions and performances," Ringo added.
The auditions began earlier in the year with the Northern Zone Honor Choir, where Mapson won her second soprano position. From there she went on to audition for the All-State Choir. There were more auditions and rehearsals leading up to the April 19 concert.
"It was a great experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to further their music education," Mapson said.
The All-State Choir was conducted by Dr. Timothy Peter, director of choral activities at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla.
His choirs have been selected to perform at the 2011 National ACDA Conference in Chicago and at four Divisional NCACDA conventions. He has prepared choirs and orchestras for performances at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, Orchestra Hall and Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago, the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, the Holland Center in Omaha, the TWA Center in St. Louis, the Overture Center in Madison, the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, and the Seoul Foreign School Center for the Performing Arts.
"He (Peter) was great. He was fun to work with, but I learned from him, too," Mapson said.
"This experience will also be a plus on college applications and scholarships," Ringo said.
Mapson plans to attend UC Davis in the fall, where she will major in Social Sciences with a minor in music.
When asked if she would like to pursue a career in music she said, "It probably won't be a career choice for me," she said.
Her music director has a different idea for her.
"Victoria has the passion for music. This passion and drive is what made it possible for her to make it this far. As she continues to feed this passion, she'll be able to accomplish any musical career she would desire. Her talent is there and when that is coupled with her passion, there's no telling how far she will be able to go," Ringo said.
In addition to being a talented singer, Mapson also plays guitar and piano.
"I love music and always will. I will continue to play and sing. I can't not do it," she said.
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