They come from all grades, and play a range of instruments, representing the Mt. Hope High School Band, Choral, String, and Guitar Ensembles. This year, 18 students made the cut, and will be representing MHHS (in person!) at the All State concert in March — the first to be held (non-virtually) since 2019.

“In 2020, everything got shut down exactly when we were supposed to meet,” said Sabella Matheson, a sophomore violinist. “I was really sad, and so I’m super excited to go in person this year.”
“We’re really excited,” agreed junior Henry Scott, a tuba player. “I love music and want something to look forward to.”

Matheson and Scott, along with the other members of the orchestra division, are looking forward to their performance, which will include selections from Bizet, Vaughan Williams, and Berlioz.

So far, the various groups have met virtually with their counterparts from other Rhode Island high schools, but they anticipate at least one in-person rehearsal all together at the Carter Center inn East Providence, before the final performance at the Vets in Providence, in March.

These top musicians represent a range of experiences both with their instruments and as All State musicians. Many have been studying their instruments since elementary school, though for most, this will be their first in-person All State concert.

Pandemic precautions even complicated the tryout process. Last year students tried out via live recording; this year they submitted pre-recorded auditions. They were split over whether they preferred the one-and-done of the “live” audition versus agonizing over which video take to submit.

“I didn’t make it last year, I botched my video audition,” said Lucien Chidester, a sophomore who plays viola and definitely preferred the opportunity to submit a video audition. “I was calm, and in control of the situation. In person you only get one shot.”

Though the All State performance is returning to the in-person format, there will still be restrictions. All performers will require proof of vaccination and negative tests, and social distancing (which will preclude stand parters who typically turn the pages for fellow musicians) will be eliminated. “It will be interesting to see how they figure that out,” said Matheson.

Despite the complications of the pandemic, Mt. Hope is sending a higher percentage of its musicians to All State than ever before.

“As COVID has made it difficult or impossible to hold normal rehearsals and performances, the number of Mt. Hope students who have been selected for All State ensembles has actually increased,” said David Lauria, Mt. Hope’s Choral Director. “Achieving the All State distinction requires a great deal of determination and extra work, and we are proud to spotlight these students who continue our long tradition of excellence and statewide recognition.”

They are: Sonia Bradley, junior, Senior Division Treble Chorus; Abby Bratsos, sophomore, Senior Division Mixed Chorus ; Vic Bullard, sophomore, Senior Division Treble Chorus (#1 ranking), Maddie Campo, senior, Senior Division Mixed Chorus; Lucien Chidester, sophomore, Viola, Senior Orchestra; Hannah de Jesus, senior, Senior Division Mixed Chorus and Senior Guitar Ensemble (#1 ranking); Jacen Douglass, freshman, Junior Division Mixed Chorus; Sophia Ferolito, senior, Senior Division Treble Chorus; Jeff Gonzalez, junior, Senior Division Mixed Chorus; Zelda Hayes, junior, Senior Guitar Ensemble; Nathan Macedo, junior, Senior Division Mixed Chorus; Emily Marino, senior, Senior Division Mixed Chorus (#1 ranking); Sabella Matheson, sophomore, Violin, Senior Orchestra; Rachel Ouellette, senior, Grade 12 Flute, Senior Orchestra; Analucia Romero, freshman, Junior Division Mixed Chorus (#1 ranking); Henry Scott, junior, Tuba, Senior Orchestra; Carmen Tandoh, freshman, Junior Division Mixed Chorus; Eva White, senior, Flute, Senior Division Band.