Garfield Re-2’s choral programs continue to shine across the Western Slope, with students from both Rifle High School and Coal Ridge High School earning top statewide honors. Whether through acceptance into the elite All State Choir or winning a scholarship awarded to only one senior in the state, these students demonstrate what talent, discipline, and heart look like in action.

All-State auditions are open to high school juniors and seniors. Students can achieve a total score of 100 points as part of their All-State audition. Students must perform a musical solo, typically a classical or folk song. Jazz, pop, and musical theater songs are not permitted. Judges are looking for tone quality, singing in tune, accuracy of notes and rhythms, diction, and musicality (vocal dynamics, sensitivity to the text, and articulation) to convey the appropriate meaning. 

Students are also judged on their technical skills, including tonality in their scales, intervals, and melodic and rhythmic sight-reading. 

Rifle High School: Three Bears, One All-State Journey

Rifle High School is celebrating a trio of standout vocalists: Lilly Weisbrod, Kira Burgess, and Ian Gingrich. Each earned coveted spots in the 2026 Colorado All-State Choir. 

For all three students, the process required months of preparation beyond daily rehearsals. They practiced solos, scales, sight-reading, ear training, intervals, tonal recall, and rhythm, often fitting practice time around advanced coursework, athletics, leadership roles, and part-time jobs.

Lilly, the group’s returning All-Stater, began preparing last April, sometimes practicing up to 10 hours a week. Kira sharpened her skills anywhere she could: singing through scales in her car, completing interval drills until she got 20 correct in a row, and working closely with her director during lunch periods. Ian logged daily time at the piano to run intervals and keys, sight-read consistently, and even hummed his solo constantly to keep it sharp.

The workload was intense, but the reward, they all agreed, is unlike anything else.

“When everyone locks into the same sound, it hits your soul differently,” Ian explained..

They each spoke about the power of singing with hundreds of peers who share the same passion, discipline, and desire for musical excellence. One highlight is the iconic Balcony Sing, where All State singers fill a 17-story atrium with layered harmonies. It is a moment all three described as life-changing.

“The experience changes you,” Lilly reflected. “Being surrounded by people who love music as much as you do is magical.”

But their journey wasn’t just about music. In large part, it was about personal growth. Kira spoke openly about battling nerves leading up to the audition.

“Singing your solo for the class was terrifying,” she said. “But afterward, I felt proud. I had done something really hard.”

Despite the long hours, all three balance demanding schedules outside of choir, including athletics, leadership responsibilities, IB-level academics, and part-time work. They emphasized planning, commitment, and the willingness to push themselves.

Most of all, they stressed the importance of encouraging younger students to take the leap.

“Do All-State,” Lilly urged.

“The experience is something you can’t get anywhere else,” Ian added.

Rifle High School Choir Director Daryl Gingrich added that the accomplishment of achieving All-State status can not be overstated.

“It is a difficult process,” explained.  “There are schools that send several students to auditions, and don’t have anyone earn All-State honors. To have one student is a great accomplishment – to have three is awesome! It is a testament to the hard work that these students put in that we continue to have representation at All-State.”

Coal Ridge High School: A Titan at All State & a Scholar Who Leads With Heart

Coal Ridge senior Carter White earned his place in the All-State Tenor-Bass Choir through persistence and hard work. After auditioning last year and not making it, Carter doubled down this year, spending countless hours after school strengthening his ear training, sight reading, and solo performance under the guidance of his director, Mrs. Schuelke.

His solo, “The Heart Worships,” carried new depth this year as he incorporated feedback from last season.

“All-State makes you feel like your work has paid off,” Carter said. “It builds your confidence and helps you feel like you’ve left a legacy.”

Carter plans to study psychology and says music has been central to helping him discover who he is and how he connects with others.

Coal Ridge senior Nallely Vergara earned the prestigious Colorado Choir Director Scholarship. Selected from among the top vocalists in Colorado, Nallely was recognized not just for her beautiful voice but for her leadership, resilience, and extraordinary character.

On stage at the sold-out CCD concert, she was honored as:

“A remarkable young woman who brings dedication, maturity, and a deeply rooted sense of responsibility to every role she takes on… She leads through kindness and example.”

For Nallely, music has been inseparable from her personal growth. Choir helped her find confidence, connection, and belief in herself.

Though she does not plan to major in music, Nallely is pursuing a future in medicine, motivated by her desire to transform healthcare experiences for others after witnessing gaps in care in her own family.

“I want to be a doctor who listens. One who believes in people and helps them,” she said.

Coal Ridge High School choir and band director Abigail Schuelke knows that the work her students have put in has led to their accomplishments this year.

“The time and commitment these students put in is incredible,” she said. “They spend countless hours practicing, memorizing, and building their skills, all for the chance to earn a spot. Carter and Nallely have achieved something special because they were willing to put in the work and stay focused.”

These accomplishments offer a snapshot of the learning, dedication, and personal growth taking place across Garfield Re-2 schools, where students are encouraged to pursue their interests, challenge themselves, and grow through sustained effort.