Getting into All-State for music is a once in a lifetime chance. It’s a dream for any singer, especially a choral singer. You sing under the most pressure and if you’re lucky, you get picked to go upstate and sing in the best choir in the state. It happens to very few and if selected, you’re one lucky person.
Jackie Saccente, a senior, was this lucky person to join Francesco Logozzo and Liana Fitt on a singer’s dream in high school. As an alto, she went up to Rochester this year into this elite program and absolutely loved it. But this wasn’t her first real opportunity to sing.
Singing helps Jackie cope with any issues or remember anything that happened in her life. “I have always been singing, it seems like from birth, but I started taking lessons when I was 8 or 9 years old. My brain, for some odd reason, doesn’t like to recall events that have happened during my childhood, but I will recall songs that I have sung or I have heard and liked,” Jackie said.
She now works privately with Siri Howard, WHBHS alumni and daughter of retired music teacher Mrs. Linda Howard. Siri is now in the Les Miserables US National Tour.
“Jackie has been a wonderful student; passionate about singing, eager to learn, consistent in her attendance, cheerful, and fun to collaborate with,” Siri said. “Jackie’s dedication to music and learning makes her not only a great student, but shows potential to be successful at whatever career path she chooses.”
To get into All-State, one has to sing a level 6 All-State song for a judge, and needs to get a 100 to have a chance of getting into this special program. “I sang “Widmung” by Robert Shumann. It wasn’t my favorite song that I have sung, but I did love the song and it’s translation. I wasn’t exactly surprised by the 100, but I was amazed.”
The four-day trip for All-State was to Rochester this year. Jackie was accompanied by Francesco Logozzo, Liana Fitt, and chorus teacher Mr. Rubenstein.
“The four days I spent upstate have to be the best days of my life. Eight hours a day of just practicing as a group, and of course, the chorus parties just before lights out. And then repeat and then of course the sound of the group together- especially in the college theater- the resonance and tone were breath taking,” Jackie said.
Junior Kate Paez said, “I think Jackie Saccente is the most interesting person I know. She has an amazing personality and always offers a smile to her friends and anyone else who could use a friend. She gives amazing backrubs and great hugs.”
If you want to see Jackie sing live, she will be in the school musical A Chorus Line. It will be March 23-25. Please come to support her and the rest of the cast.