Texas All-State Choir is a highly competitive distinction that tens of thousands of students audition for each year. Only 1,810 students are selected based on a number of variables that include their academic performance as well as their singing abilities. This year, Porter High School’s own Nyla Lee proved herself capable of the challenge and was selected after an intense audition process. 

Congratulations to Nyla Lee for making the Texas All-State Choir, as well as senior Connor Evers and junior Ethan Achee for receiving third and fourth chair alternates.  

“It feels very empowering, considering this is the first time anyone has made it to the All-State Choir,” senior Nyla Lee said. “I always wanted to make history and show people in choir that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything.” 

Lee thinks singing can be quite stressful if you over scrutinize every detail. You should practice to practice, not practice to perfect.     

“Singing is more of a mental strategy and can become extremely frustrating if you overthink it,” Lee said. “I would be practicing for hours trying to perfect the songs, even if I got all the notes and rhythms correct. But I soon realized that my audition would never be perfect if I continued to over-analyze.” 

According to Lee, she had a strong support system throughout her journey.  

“My choir family supported me during the entire process, constantly checking up on me, but also giving me enough space to progress on my own,” Lee said. “My friends respected my decision to practice when I needed to and my mom continued to support me even in the early auditions.”   

When trying to achieve something, it is best for you to cut yourself some slack and work at your own pace.  

“If you are trying to achieve something for yourself, you have to give yourself grace, even on your worst days,” Lee said. 

According to Achee, even if you may not achieve as high as you would like, gather advice and use it to better yourself.  

“Although I wish I could’ve been just a few spots higher, I am proud of all of the hard work that I put in, and I now have more incentive to work harder for next year,” Achee said. 

Once again, congratulations to Nyla Lee for making the Texas All-State Choir, as well as senior Connor Evers and junior Ethan Achee for receiving third and fourth chair alternates.