The same day we were getting ready to celebrate Jamie and Curt’s wedding (October 15), Taylor was making her way to Lincoln to audition for the 75th  NMEA All-State Choir. She stressed over that morning long before it finally rolled around. Well…all the stressing and the hard work paid off! We found out 10 days later that she made the choir. And – not only did she make it but she was rated the #2 Alto from her site. I was told the Lincoln site was one of the harder ones to audition at because of the Class A schools. I was (and still am) pretty darn proud of our little songbird.

Tonight was the payoff for all her hard work. She’s been away from home, living in a hotel room with several of her friends (and chaperones) since Wednesday night. I’ve received text messages from her throughout her stay letting me know how things were going. My favorite text from her was the one that said the sound coming from these people’s mouths had to be what heaven would one day sound like.

“There were moments in our final rehearsal where I couldn’t even sing. It is SO amazing…I was completely overcome with emotion haha AND I had goosebumps throughout the ENTIRE rehearsal.”  Taylor

I have to admit, she was right! As the sound of the very first word from the very first song was made, I was tearing up. By the time the song was over, I was wanting to really sob. The hour went way too fast! I’m sure it felt like that for Taylor, as well. What an awesome experience for her and for the other 400+ singers in that ALL State choir!

Over 3,000 kids from the state of Nebraska auditioned for this night and our little songbird was one of three from our Class C school that got to be on stage at the Lied Center in Lincoln. I’m so very proud of Taylor, Megan and Sophie! Thank you Mrs. Colbert and Mr. Hanson for all the time you’ve sacrificed and invested in these kids!

I wish I had a picture to share and/or video but we weren’t allowed to take any. You’ll just have to take my word for just how amazing it sounded!