Santana Hamrac had dreamed of one day performing with the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Ensemble since first grade.

“My cousin was in it at that time,” Hamrac said. “I just remember the dazzling dance moves that they did and the wonderful music and I immediately wanted to join.”

Hamrac graduated from Straughn High School in 2016 and auditioned for the ensemble that spring and made it.

“I was so emotional during that initial moment that I started crying,” Hamrac said. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming of my entire life.”

Hamrac said that the best part of the ensemble for her is the elementary school performances and the kids’ reactions.

“I just remember being mesmerized by the singing, sparkling outfits and brass horns,” Hamrac said. “So being able to put on a show for the children really means a lot to me.”

After being in the group for two years, Hamrac is considered a senior ensemble member and is transitioning to a four-year college.

“The thing that I will miss the most from ensemble is the people I have made a friendship with,” Hamrac said. “We are like a family, and being in college it is stressful with classes and work, but these people make it all better.”

Hamrac said that she will definitely miss the directors of the ensemble, Greg Aplin and Johnny Brewer.

“Greg and Johnny are like my second dads,” Hamrac said. “If you need anything you can always go to them for help and they understand education is the most important thing and will help you.”

When asked if she had any advice for incoming members, Hamrac said, “Just be yourself I have grown a lot and become more confident in myself after this experience and couldn’t be happier.”

After LBW, Hamrac will be attending Troy University to achieve a bachelor’s degree in secondary English and literature education.

The LBW ensemble will have auditions Mon., March 12, and Tue., March 13, at 2 p.m. on each day.

Vocalists will audition on Monday and instrumentalists will audition Tuesday.

For more information about auditions contact Johnny Brewer at jbrewer@lbwcc.edu or 334-881-2238 or Greg Aplin at jgaplin@lbwcc.edu or 334-881-2227.