Learning Comes to Life: WVVA Students’ Journey to West Virginia All-State Children’s Chorus for the First Time 

This March marks a milestone moment for West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA). Teacher Alyssa Mullins and three WVVA students will travel to Charleston to participate in the West Virginia All-State Children’s Chorus Conference – the first time WVVA students have ever taken part in this prestigious, statewide musical experience. 

WV All-State Children’s Chorus is a choral organization where, once a year, select 4th–6th grade students from across West Virginia come together to learn challenging music and perform. Students must audition, earn selection, and prepare their music before the conference.  

This year, three WVVA students went through that competitive tryout process, and earned their place on the All-State stage.  

A Passion for Music and Students 

When Mullins began teaching at WVVA, she brought more than just a lesson plan but a deep love for music education and a vision for what was possible in a virtual setting. 

“I’m local to West Virginia, and I fell in love with music when I was in high school band,” Mullins said, “I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, and I just wanted to teach music to other kids.” 

From the beginning, she saw an opportunity. 

“I was really excited about the possibilities at WVVA,” Mullins said, “I had ideas right away – like, what if we could take kids to All-State?” 

Building a Music Program in a Virtual School 

This year marks a series of firsts for WVVA, with the launch of its first live music class and the school’s first-ever students participating in All-State—milestones that show meaningful arts education can thrive beyond a traditional classroom. 

“A lot of these students don’t have experience with music class at all, let alone in a virtual setting, so we’re really building the foundation,” Mullins explained. “To see students get excited about music in the same way they would in an in-person classroom has been really cool.” 

Getting WVVA Students to All-State 

Bringing students to All-State from a virtual school came with unique challenges but also big rewards. 

“It’s harder in a virtual setting because you don’t have access to students like you do in person, so promoting it and explaining what All State is was a big part of it,” Mullins explained. “I told them, ‘It’s a huge honor. Only so many students in the state get picked.’” 

The result was more than Mullins hoped for. 

“I was excited to get three slots, but even more excited that I was able to fill them with students who truly wanted to go,” she said.  

Why All-State Matters 

For Mullins and for WVVA, this experience represents something bigger than a performance. 

“This is a high-profile event in our state. It’s huge,” Mullins said, “And this is the first time, to my understanding, that a virtual school has brought students to the All-State Children’s Chorus. That’s really special.” 

Most of all, Mullins wants virtual students to know that they can succeed in music.  

“It’s important that our students get the same opportunities as any other school in the state,” she said, “I’ve felt so supported, especially through the All-State process. That support for the arts has been incredibly validating.” 

What Mrs. Mullins Hopes Students Take Away 

As the students prepare to learn seven pieces of music, some in different languages, Mullins hopes the experience stays with them long after the final note. 

“I hope they gain confidence – that they can do hard things, that they can be brave enough to audition and show up,” Mullins said, “It’s not easy, but I want them to feel proud of what they’ve accomplished.” 

Above all, Mullins hopes her students are empowered by the music and experience. 

“I hope they feel the power of making music with other people. It’s a really powerful experience,” she said. “I hope they make new friends, have fun, and want to keep making music when they come back.” 

Building Connection and Expanding Music Opportunities: Even Virtually 

Mullins’ vision for music at WVVA goes far beyond a single performance. She’s focused on building meaningful, engaging opportunities that allow students to explore music deeply even in a virtual environment. 

At the center of Mullins’ approach is connection – creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and excited to participate. 

“We always start with a game called ‘Bop or Flop,’” she explained, “They love sharing their opinions about music and it immediately gets them engaged.” 

From orchestra and band to jazz and rock, Mullins exposes students to a wide range of musical styles, helping them discover what resonates. That connection often sparks confidence and curiosity. 

“A lot of students tell me on the first day, ‘I play this,’ or ‘Can you teach me this?’ That’s when you know the interest is there,” Mullins said. 

Despite the virtual setting, relationships remain personal and authentic. 

“I know my students – their faces, their voices, how they sing – just like I would in an in-person classroom,” Mullins explained.  

Looking ahead, Mullins is focused on creating shared musical experiences that bring students together – specifically the expansion of a virtual choir experience for the students. 

For Mullins, this journey reinforces what she’s always believed about WVVA. 

“WVVA has allowed me to help students find opportunities that make them better,” she said, “That’s always been my ‘why.’” 

As Mullins and her students head to Charleston this March, they aren’t just representing WVVA but redefining what’s possible in virtual education, proving that learning truly comes to life when passion meets opportunity. 🎶 

Interested in what WVVA has to offer? 

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