Gunnison singers join all-state choir

and perform at Salt Lake Tabernacle

By Linda Petersen

Staff writer

Oct. 26, 2017

GUNNISON—Four Gunnison Valley High School students recently participated in the annual performance of an all-state choir sponsored by Utah Music Educators Association.

Senior Carolyn Donaldson, juniors McKenna Taylor and Paydenne Mortensen, and sophomore Cora Sanderson joined with about 700 students for a performance on Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The choir was directed by Dr. Ryan Murphy, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir associate conductor.

Students learned their parts at home prior to the performance. Then they practiced for two days at Taylorsville High School.

Each year, students from 65 schools are nominated to be part of the all-state choir and participate in the annual performance.

“I have students participate because it is the pinnacle of choir events in the state,” said Jody Allred, choir instructor at Gunnison Valley High. “These are the best of the best, and my students get better by spending the weekend with them.”

All four participants said participating in the all-state choir was a great experience.

“I was able to spend dawn to dusk singing with talented teens from all over the state. It’s amazing to add my voice to the chorus of other singers my age who are just as ecstatic to be there as I am, and to improve my ability to perform,” said Carolyn Donaldson, who was participating in the all-state choir for the fifth time.

Sophomore Cora Sanderson, who participated for the first time, said, “I have always loved to sing, and I have been training my voice to be better. When this opportunity came, I wanted to go, and my choir teacher told me I could, and I was so happy to go. I had an amazing experience. I wish it was not over, and I wish I could still be doing it.”

Allred said he chose the four students based on how long they had been with him; whether they fit the voice parts needed; and their dedication, commitment and talent.