The Annual All-Region choir competition took place Oct. 21 in Searcy.

Many of the Jonesboro High School choir students made chairs, but two made first chair in their voice parts: Rikkia Greer, Alto 2, and Isabella Owen, Soprano 1.

“I was very surprised when I found out that I received first chair placement. It was almost surreal,” Owen said.

She said she is grateful for the support she received from Krisie Holmes, her family and friends. “To prepare for this audition, I worked during the camerata Choir class period, with Ms. Holmes after school, and at home by myself using the recordings and my piano. I tried to focus on improving one thing at a time and that seemed to help a lot,” Owen.

Upon her reflection on her practice Owen said, “I would have practiced more because there is always room for improvement.”

As for her audition, Owen said “I could have used more dynamic contrast and had better breathing.”

She had a few words of advice for those who will audition in the coming years.

“Work hard. Talent only takes you so far. Practice and recognize that there is always something that you could do better,” she said.