All-State is a performance opportunity for musicians all across Florida to come together and showcase what they do best. With audition materials being posted around April-May, and auditions not happening until September, this competitive program really brings the best out of all the students who put themselves out there and audition. In the strings department, five students are taking the leap this year.

Marc Pierre-Louis, a violinist, is the only freshman at Cypress who is auditioning this year. He’s only been playing for four years. In order to prepare he says he’s been practicing a lot, going to private lessons, and also practicing scales. Marc enjoys ensemble work, as he prefers not playing by himself. For him, the hardest part about going to All-State is calming his nerves before the audition.

Also a violinist, sophomore Amy Grochowski has been playing for 11 years, and this isn’t her first time auditioning for All-State. She too is familiar with nerves, and she believes they cost her a spot in 8th grade. Amy enjoys soloing because it gives her a chance to show off her skill. Although she is once again nervous for her audition, this time she is determined to make the most of her opportunity.

Fellow sophomore Oliver Knorr has been playing for six years now. For him, the hardest part about preparing for All-State is holding himself accountable and staying consistent with his practicing. Regarding activities in the strings program, this year he is most excited for the many performance opportunities that he’ll have throughout the year, namely Wicked Walk.

In addition to these students, Arco Williams, violinist, and Jose Paredes, guitarist, also auditioned. This year, auditions took place September 18 here at Cypress. Results don’t come out until November, but no matter what happens, Mrs. Lisa is already proud of everyone who tried out. Mrs. Lisa encourages all her students to try out for every opportunity, and despite its competitiveness, All-State is no exception, she says, and “taking on challenges makes you stronger. You’ll never grow if you don’t get out of your comfort zone.”