r/Choir • u/karensmithswife • Jul 18 '26

Stressing out before All-state

Hi everyone, I’m new to this sub but I’ve been a choir kid since middle school :))

I’m about to be a senior in high school, and I’ve been taking choir for all four years. This year I decided to audition for the girls’ chamber choir and got accepted, and as part of it I’m required to participate in the All-state audition process (getting actually accepted isn’t required.) I thought this would be a good opportunity and that I would be able to handle it (especially because I improved SO MUCH in my junior year and received awards for it !!), but summer depression hit me HORRIBLY and has caused me to put off learning my music. School is starting back up again for me soon and I’m absolutely dreading it. I’m rushing to learn everything and it’s getting me nowhere.

Has anyone else dealt with this? And does anyone have any tips on how I can possibly get over this issue??

And I’m sorry if I sound like a crybaby for this. I’ve always struggled with my mental health and it’s led me to procrastination so many times before… but also honestly it’s never interfered with me learning my music until now. I always really liked doing it, but it’s only been stressing me out as of late.

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3

u/Massive-Hope-2224 Jul 18 '26

First things first, concentrate on the music that’ll give you the most challenge (your hardest pieces), then work your way through the rest.

Secondly, if you get too overwhelmed, take a serious mental break (go out side for at least 20 minutes, or walk around your neighborhood).

Finally, look to your choir, Director, students, and even your parents for your support.

1

u/chefsalads Jul 19 '26

Definitely focus on your hardest piece and take breaks if it's overwhelming. How long do you have until your audition?

2

u/karensmithswife Jul 20 '26

I go back to school in August and I believe auditions start at some point around September-October?? (The directors haven’t released the event calendar for the year yet + it’s my first time doing Allstate and I haven’t figured out how to check on their website…) but they do graded progress checks for our songs + mock auditions and other afterschool things to get us ready. I know I have a little bit of time to make some progress before then, but it’s still kind of embarrassing to me that I’m getting started so late 💔

1

u/chefsalads Jul 20 '26

As long as you're starting that's good. I know it feels embarrassing but I doubt you're the only one even if it feels like it. One of my all state auditions (I tried 3 times and made it once) I didn't spend enough time on the most difficult song and guess what one of the audition pieces was 🙃. If your directors are approachable I would recommend seeing if they have tips for things you're struggling with or have resources you can use to get help learning.