On the brink of history.

Thanks to her magnificent voice, that's where Laurel Seemiller could well find herself on the verge of.A senior at Palmerton Area High School, Seemiller was recently selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Chorus, to be held April 17-20 in Erie.That highly-esteemed distinction came after Seemiller placed fifth out of six Soprano II's that will advance to the state level. Her section was comprised of 26 out of the 210 singers who represented 75 school districts from 15 counties that participated in the Region V Festival."I was shocked," Seemiller said. "I was excited and honored."Natalie Madeira, Towamensing Elementary Music Board Certified Music Therapist, couldn't help but rave about Seemiller's achievement."This is an enormous accomplishment for Laurel, and for our district," Madeira said. "From what I understand, this is quite possibly the first time in Palmerton history that a student has made it to the State Chorus."Madeira added "it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that her success is a credit and result of efforts from not just myself, but my skilled and inspiring colleagues in Palmerton's Music Department; most especially Tom Heinick, who's instrumental training has given Laurel the foundation of excellent music reading, and a very good ear that have hugely impacted her success vocally. And her private vocal coach, Ronda Gerry, who has an amazing ability to polish rare gems. I know all of us are very proud of her.""I know the district will join me in publicly celebrating Laurel's great success," she said. "Though our elementary levels continue to flourish, I have been working diligently in my attempt to revitalize choral music at the high school level, and hope to see other students inspired to return to the music room by Laurel's accomplishment."Seemiller concurred with her peer's sentiment."I have an amazing voice teacher," she said. "And lots of people supporting me, such as my friends and family."For Seemiller, music has always had a special place in her heart."I want to keep music as a part of my life as I continue to grow up," she said. "I've always been into music."Previously, Seemiller has also participated in District Band (2012 &2013), District Orchestra (2012), and Region Band (2012.)The mission of PMEA is to advance music education by encouraging excellence in the study, teaching and making of music.It seeks to promote and support quality music education, learning and performance, as well as music education in schools and communities.For information on PMEA, or on music education and music advocacy, visit

www.pmeadistrict10.org.