Many fine arts students have not been taking any days off from their preparation to becoming the best. For seven of them, their hard work has paid off as they made All-State in band, choir or orchestra.

Everyone knows the old saying “practice makes perfect,” but these students took it a step further.

“I intelligently practice the crap out of my music,” senior band state member Daniel Garcia said. “I play for others to get used to playing in front of people and to also get feedback, and most importantly, I make sure I practice every day I can.”

Waiting to audition can be nerve-wracking for musicians, especially with their competition sitting and waiting right next to them.

“Going into a room to perform has become a routine for myself and I don’t get too nervous, but I always take big breaths to calm myself down and remember that I sing in front of the 70 kids in my choir every day,” senior choir state member Sarah Murphy said. “I had to remember every little thing to make sure I stand out more than others, even if it’s by a fraction of a point.”

These musicians give it all they have to ensure they are victorious in their auditions.

“I play viola and I made 42 out of the 42 violas that made it,” senior orchestra state member Jordan Stubblefield said. “So, yes it was close, but it made all the difference. The violas that I competed against total for All State was 169.”

Working hard definitely pays off in the long run, regardless of all the wrong notes along the way.

“[If you’re trying out next year] make sure you’re smart about practicing your etudes, perform in front of people for advice and to get rid of nerves, and make sure you’re never satisfied and you’re always wanting to improve something,” Garcia said.