FRISCO, TEXAS — Texas is known nationally for its rigorous music programs and talented musicians; the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL), a state-wide competition for the arts, is one of the most prestigious contests in the country. 

Texas student musicians compete individually and as a group for awards within their performance art annually. Orchestra, band, and choir all participate in the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region competition, in which musicians showcase their skills in an audition in hopes of securing a spot in an All-Region group with fellow talented performers.   

Over 70,000 Texas high school students participate in the All-State audition process for choir, and a little under 2,000 students are selected to be a part of one of the 18 ensembles. The audition process lasts four rounds: district, region, pre-area, and state. Nine Centennial Titans have been selected to move on to pre-area.

One of them is sophomore Abhijay Chidurupalli, who started choir in eighth grade after a recommendation from a friend. Since this decision, he has seen success in choir having frequently advanced and placed in regional ensembles.  

“My favorite part about singing is working on solo music and the thing I enjoy most in the CHS choir is the vibrant people and the solo contest.” Abhijay Chidurupalli said. 

Chidurupalli’s love for music inspires his involvement in Centennial’s music program; he’s currently a member of the choir fundraising committee. Abhijay plans on continuing choir throughout the rest of high school. His advice to new singers is: “Consistent practice is important and doesn’t have to be long sessions, keep your voice healthy, and eat a lot of honey,” Chidurupalli said.

The next round of All-Region Choral auditions will be held on Nov.19. To follow him and the rest of our choir Titans this region season, visit https://www.tmea.org/vocal/all-state/.