Juniors;
Pops Choir, Chamber Choir,
Made KMEA All State Choir,
Performed a duet at the Serenade Concert
Q: You recently performed a duet at the Serenade Concert. What made that song choice special to both of you? How did you both feel being on stage?
Kinsley: The song we sang is such a feel-good and grounding piece. I really felt like we could connect with the audience and make them feel something through the harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. Stepping on stage was definitely scary, but it was rewarding knowing we pushed through and got to share something we worked so hard on and care so deeply about.
Jaxson: The song was really special because it highlighted both of our strengths and our voices. Performing together felt almost surreal since we’ve been friends since the beginning of middle school. I didn’t really feel nervous because we were together on stage.
Q: How did you both feel learning you made KMEA All-State Choir together?
Kinsley: This has been what we’ve been working toward and dreaming of for so long. Seeing both of our names on that list was a massive wave of relief and pure adrenaline — we were so excited.
Jaxson: It was such an unreal moment. I was at the Festival of Lights when Kinsley opened her phone and said, ‘Oh my God, we made All-State.’ I thought she was lying at first. I started sobbing — it just didn’t feel real.
Q: Making KMEA All-State as juniors is a huge feat. What was the most rewarding part of that audition process?
Kinsley: Auditioning for All-State is intense — you spend weeks preparing, and everything comes down to one audition where you’re judged on every breath and vowel shape. In the end, seeing our names on the list made all the pressure and preparation worth it.
Jaxson: Making it was the most rewarding part, but also realizing how much I’ve grown as a singer. I’ve sung all my life, and making All-State finally showed that all the hard work paid off.
Q: How do you shift your vocal style between the technical precision of Chamber and the energy of Pops Choir? What is your favorite thing about each class?
Kinsley: Chamber is about refinement and blending into one sound, while Pops focuses on style, tight rhythms, and movement. Both classes are supportive environments, but Pops feels like a family — we spend so much time together that the bond is really special.
Jaxson: In Chamber, I focus on choral precision. In Pops, it’s more about musicality, movement, and having fun. My favorite thing about Chamber is singing together as one, and Pops feels like a family — it’s emotional and surreal every day.
Q: In what way has having the other person as a teammate in both choirs helped you improve this year?
Kinsley: We’re both incredibly passionate about music, so we push each other to be better every day. Having someone I’ve grown up with for the last five years really puts into perspective how much we’ve improved.
Jaxson: Working with Kinsley has helped me stay focused. She made sure we practiced our Serenade duet so it could be perfect.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to achieve together in the music department before you graduate?
Kinsley:I hope we continue to grow musically during our remaining time at MHS and get the chance to experience All-State and SCI again.
Jaxson: I want to make the Summer Choral Institute at Kansas State University and make All-State again senior year — two years in a row would be a huge accomplishment.
Q: If you could describe your partner’s musical talent in just three words, what would they be?
Kinsley (on Jaxson): Versatile, passionate, captivating.
Jaxson (on Kinsley): Diligent, musical, confident.
Q: What does being a part of this choir program mean to you personally?
Kinsley: Choir is such an important part of my time at MHS. It has given me friendships and memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s so special creating music with people who are just as passionate as I am.
Jaxson: This choir program means everything to me. Chamber helps me grow musically, but Pops is truly a family. I’ve built relationships that have shaped who I am both musically and personally.
