Journalism Next | Lakewood Ranch junior accepted to National Choir

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Lakewood Ranch High School junior Savannah Carpenter has returned from singing with the National Association for Music Education National Choir.

Carpenter said she had quite the experience as she went through the steps to be inducted.

First, she had to make the All-State Choir, which represents Florida. To get into All-State, she had to take two theory tests and one rigorous sight-reading test.

After making the All-State Choir, she auditioned for the National Choir.

For the National Choir audition, she had to pick a song off a state-approved list, record it and send it in. Carpenter chose the song "Pieta Signore" from an Italian opera.

Many people might get nervous while singing but not Savannah.

"I used to get nervous," Carpenter said, "but I have been performing for a long time and I have auditioned for All-State Choir since the seventh grade. I only had to make a recording for National Choir. So, I was very relaxed during the audition process."

Lori Pike was Carpenter's chorus teacher last year.

"Savannah is a perfect student, does above and beyond what's expected," Pike said.

Carpenter performed with the National Choir in Nashville, Tenn., in October with the 700 students selected around the United States.

About Skylee Miller, Lakewood Ranch High

Outside of school, Miller is usually working with Family, Career and Community Leaders of America in her role as an officer.

"Something I like about LRHS is there isn't as many cliques at Lakewood as there are at other schools and all the teachers really care about you and your future," Miller said. "I like being part of the news staff because I get to find out what is going on throughout the school year."

She also enjoys writing and interviewing sources.

"My mom is a foster parent so I live with foster children and have an adopted sister.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Journalism Next | Lakewood Ranch junior accepted to National Choir ."