Lampeter-Strasburg High School (LSHS) juniors Hollyn Miller, Cassie Meck, and Maya Bowman were selected by audition for the 2021 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Chorus. PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,000 members dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians.

Miller, Meck, and Bowman joined high school vocalists from around the commonwealth for a virtual choral festival featuring Messiah University's Rachel Cornacchio as guest conductor. The 2021 PMEA Virtual All-State Festival took place online from April 14 to 17. The chorus performed a selection from "Proud Music of the Storm," a piece inspired by the Walt Whitman poem of the same name.

Erik Welchans said that for the 19 years he has been LSHS choral director, three is largest group of LSHS students who have been accepted to the PMEA All-State Choir in one year. In addition, because they are all juniors, they qualify for the National Choir, which is held every other year.

"Music has been pretty much my whole life," said Bowman. "My dad has always been into music. He's the one who got me into it." She explained that at their home, she and her sister liked to sing while their father accompanied on guitar.

"I didn't get into music and singing until seventh grade," explained Meck. "That was when I joined theater and chorus. We owe a lot to Mr. Welchans. He helped us record and submit our videos. When I found out I made it in, I called Hollyn because she's one of my best friends."

"I didn't know (the results) yet," added Miller.

"So I got to give her the news," noted Meck.

Bowman plans to attend college to pursue acting. Miller and Meck said they plan to stay involved with music after high school, whether it be part of their career or at their church.