Every year, high school students from across New Hampshire audition for prestigious state-wide music festivals, and this year was no exception. Continuing a tradition of musical excellence, 13 students from Manchester’s high schools have been selected to participate in these renowned festivals. Representing Central, Memorial, and West High Schools, these talented young musicians will showcase their skills at the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival from February 6-8 in Derry and the NHMEA All-State Festival from April 2-4 in Concord.
Read the Manchester School District’s announcement on this here: https://www.mansd.org/article/1981176
Among those selected is Fatoumata Bah, a West High School freshman who earned a spot in the All-State Treble Choir. We had the opportunity to sit down with Fatoumata and learn about her journey in music.
Fatoumata’s love for singing began early. She officially joined a choir in 4th grade and continued through middle school, though she recalls that her family always noticed her singing as a young child. It was her Parkside Middle School choir teacher, Ms. Daley, who encouraged her to audition for All-State.
The audition process was no easy feat. Fatoumata received her audition pieces in October and auditioned in November. Recalling the experience, she shared, “It was very scary. You walk into a room with a backing track and sing in front of people.”
Now, as she prepares for the festival in April, Fatoumata has been diligently practicing for the past month, focusing on rhythm and lyrics. She is also a member of the West High School Choir, where she is taught by Ms. Berger.
Fatoumata credits her music educators for much of her growth, “A lot of teachers that I have had have been super talented and help me grow,” she says.
This experience has challenged her and allowed her to develop her skills, and she hopes to continue exploring music in college by taking some music classes.
Her advice to students considering auditioning for All-State? “Try it! Nothing bad can happen. Even if you aren’t selected, you will learn from it.”
Congratulations to Fatoumata and all of the talented Manchester students who are representing their schools and community at these prestigious music festivals!
