Senior Keith Hussey qualifies for the Colorado All State Choir in February.
Photo by Kiera Classen
For the first time in a number of years, one of Thomas Jefferson’s very own will be performing in the Colorado All State Choir, which will take place February 5-7, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Denver.
Senior Keith Hussey was one of six TJ students who auditioned at the citywide choir competition in October, along with Sara Gardiner, Robert Sato, Tim Glazier, Christopher Muth, and Ben Schweitzer. Hussey was the sole TJ performer who qualified for the All State Choir.
Hussey has been singing since he was 10 years old. “My elementary school music teacher was the one who encouraged me to audition for the Colorado Children’s Choral, which I was in for two years,” said Hussey. After leaving the choral, Keith continued his singing here at TJ involving himself in choir and the school musicals.
“It’s pretty cool because no one from TJ has made it in a few years, so I’m hoping it will benefit the music department by drawing in more interest,” said Hussey.
In the city competition, which took place at Wheatridge High School, participants were judged by their individual singing skills. “You’re graded on your solo, triads, scales, intervals, and sight-reading. It’s a very rigorous audition, and I’m so proud of Keith for making it. He has worked very hard to learn all the material necessary, and deserves it,” said Choir Teacher Linda Sorenson.
The Colorado All State Choir has existed for over 50 years, and has included prestigious directors each year. This year, Weston Noble, a very well-known director, will be present at the Wells Fargo Theatre.
Hussey says he spent the last couple of months preparing for the All State Choir. He learned and practiced six songs which he will perform with the men’s choir on February 7th. “The first two days of the All State Choir are like two solid days of rehearsal, where the entire men’s choir just practices. The final concert is held on the 7th,” said Hussey.
