Performing at the Ohio Music Education Association’s annual conference is an honor reserved for the top student musicians across the state. Each year, select musical ensembles known as “All-State” are formed from the best high school performers in Ohio, making selection a remarkable achievement. 

This year, senior clarinetist Micah Hayes was selected for the All-State Band, while sophomore Brady Stroll earned a spot in the All-State Jazz Band. 

Auditioning to be a part of these top groups takes both dedication and months of preparation. For Hayes he had to submit a recording of a song of his choice, and making it audience-ready took a lot of effort.

“It took me about [two to three] months to prepare for my audition,” he said. The process taught Hayes “to be patient,” and “how to pace” himself while practicing his solo to perfection.

 Months of practicing led to the real test of the jam packed rehearsals. Putting together an ensemble of kids who have never played together before and are playing multiple songs, is an almost impossible task for such a short time frame. Hayes reflects on how this was a different experience for him. 

“The most challenging part of AllState was being in a new environment with different people,” he said. Hayes shares that he had to “learn new techniques,” to better his musicianship in order to put a program together in just a couple days. 

For Stroll, the rehearsal was a new experience that he never imagined. 

The best part of the conference was being in a room “with the most talented musicians in the state,” he said. “I had never heard, let alone played with an entire band of people who sounded like their life was fueled by music.” 

For Hayes, the experience was about more than just performance. 

“My favorite part of the OMEA conference was learning new techniques and meeting new people that have similar interests.” One of the most impactful parts of the experience was working with guest conductor Dr. Pratt. Hayes described him as “an amazing conductor” who helped students learn challenging music in such a short time frame. 

Beyond the rehearsals and guest conductors, the experience left a lasting impact on both musicians. 

Hayes shares how the experience made him want to continue improving as a musician. “I think All-State has allowed me to develop more passion for music,” he said. It has also allowed me to keep growing, as I now have a broader scope of how much more I need to improve.” 

While Hayes focused on personal growth, Stroll reflected on music’s emotional impact. “I learned the different levels of emotion and healing that playing and listening to music can bring to people,” he said. 

After experiencing All-State firsthand, Stroll would encourage others to take the same risk. 

Stroll decided he will “definitely be auditioning” again next year, and he “would highly encourage anyone who loves playing their instrument to audition.” 

As one of the primary organizers of this year’s All-State conference, Hoover’s band director Mr. Varn witnessed firsthand the level of talent and dedication on display. 

“To get to perform at the highest level is an honor and a privilege that is sometimes a once in a lifetime experience,” he said. 

Hayes, graduating from Hoover in May, doesn’t have the opportunity to participate in All-State again. Regardless, he would not trade in his experience at the conference. 

“Playing with other top musicians made me feel accomplished with my abilities as I worked hard for seven years,” he said. 

For Hayes and Stroll, All-State was more than a performance. It was a milestone in their musical journeys. Representing their school among Ohio’s top musicians, both students proved that dedication, preparation and passion can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.