If you have friends in Academy Orchestra, Band, or Choir, you may have heard them throw around terms like, “audition,” “Region,” and “All-State,” and if you’re not musical, you’re probably very confused. Here’s a brief explanation and why these events are so important to individual students and the school as a whole.

All-State is a competition where musicians from all over the state can audition to see how they stand among musicians from other schools and studios. All-State Band auditions include a short etude, scales, terms, and sightreading, while All-State Orchestra has only excerpts from pieces in the performance. The performance is usually about a month after the audition, giving those who were accepted time to practice the music individually. Then, they all come together for three days of rehearsal, with a concert on the third day. Every year, BJA is blessed to send several students to represent the Academy with their talents at these events. The most enjoyable part for many of our All-State qualifiers is usually the venue, as the event is hosted in different locations all over South Carolina each year. This year, All-State Orchestra is being held at Furman University in February. While making All-State is a great achievement, we shouldn’t forget the most important thing. It’s not about perfect scales, passionate solos, or practice hours, but the reflection of Christ in his children, doing His work. Any glory we receive from tournaments, competitions, or even from our peers should be given back to God, as it is by His generosity that we have the gifts and talents we do. 

See our Fine Arts Calendar to save the date for this year’s performances!