NJMEA All-State Choir 2025 - Student Spotlight

Written by: Dylan Gonzalez Ramirez (‘28)

Last year, towards the end of the 2024-2025 school year, Lawrence High School choir students were given the chance to audition for NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association) All State Choir 2025. Out of many, four students were accepted! Those students are Karina Godovanyy (‘28), Brianna Polite (‘27), Isaiah Walker-Underwood (‘27), and Dylan Gonzalez Ramirez (‘28). This year, each of these students will have the chance to show off their skills and represent Lawrence High School!

“It was such an amazing experience where I got to meet so many new people who liked the same things as me. It was completely different than I expected it to be. I really urge the underclassmen to try it out. It's an experience that's in its own league.”

 -Isaiah Walker-Underwood (‘27)

Each audition was virtual and singers had to learn three pieces of music before submitting: one quintet, one solo, and scales. These two pieces were “The Silver Swan” and “The Turtle Dove.” Scales changed depending on the voice part, and the solo changes each year. After being accepted, each student during the month of November was given the opportunity to go to Atlantic City for three days to sing for the teacher convention. With only two rehearsals to prepare 9 songs, choir members were taught discipline and responsibility. Despite the huge size of the choir, each member was responsible for holding up their separate part. Upon arriving in Atlantic City, each member’s day was filled with more rehearsals in order to clean up and fix every song. Although a tiring experience, members were still able to socialize and form new relationships with each other. Not only that, but being present in this choir is a huge honor, as the NJMEA Allstate Choir is very selective. All State isn’t just singing high level pieces, but it is a chance to develop technique, work with experienced conductors, and to learn from other experienced peers.

“Being a part of the NJMEA Mixed Chorus intensified my love for choir even further. Not only did we get the chance to work with a talented conductor & strengthen our musical knowledge, but we also formed countless connections with peers. It’s truly an indescribable experience and I encourage anyone interested to audition — both for regions and all state.”

-Karina Godovanyy (‘28)

The Lawrence Music Department is honored to be able to send four students to the NJMEA All State Choir this year. Despite its difficulty, each student pushed through difficulties and worked hard enough to make this possible. With Regionals approaching, it is encouraged to put in the same effort and commitment, as Regionals is another great opportunity to learn and prepare students for NJMEA All State Choir 2026. Once again, congratulations! Good luck everyone on regional auditions!

“Participating in the All-State Mixed choir was such a phenomenal experience musically and socially. I met so many incredible people who made me feel so welcome. Making music with these amazingly friendly and talented musicians changed my life and I would 100% do it all over again.”

-Brianna Polite (‘27)