Aaliyah Haynes recently returned from participating in the 2024 Kansas All-State Elementary Choir. She is the daughter of Jessica and Brandon Gatewood, and a 4th grader at Jeff West Elementary School.
Students must audition to be considered for this prestigious choir. Over 780 students auditioned this year, and Aaliyah was one of 160 who were chosen. This year the choir was conducted by Herbert Washington, the director of the Phoenix Boys Choir. “He was an inspiration,” says Jenny Ramsey, Aaliyah’s music teacher at Jeff West. Aaliyah agreed, naming the conductor as one of her top three favorite things about being in the choir. (She enjoyed making new friends and making music, too!)
The choir rehearsed all day on Thursday, February 22, and performed a concert that evening. It was a long day of singing, but well worth it, according to Mrs. Ramsey. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to hone their skills and just enjoy being with a group of talented singers. The sound of the choir was amazing,” she said.
The students learned six songs for the concert, including one in French. Aaliyah made the top three finalists for a solo part in another song, “Fill the World With Music”. Her favorite song was “Mr. Nobody” because of the fun choreography. When asked how she changed as a result of being in the choir, Aaliyah replied, “I became a better singer.”