For most kids, singing is just a fun hobby, but junior DJ Pickell has taken it to a competitive level.

As a result, Pickell earned a spot over the weekend in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association state choir.

Back in November, Pickell auditioned and qualified for the PMEA district choir. Then he went to regionals, which took place in Butler last weekend. At regionals, he auditioned and qualified for states, which will take place in Lancaster on April 18-21.

“I worked hard for states. I feel like I accomplished something that I have worked hard for,” Pickell said.

Everyone who auditioned for states was assigned the same songs, including “Awake The Harp” and “Take Me To The River.”

“I was very nervous going into the competition, but I practiced the songs a lot,” Pickell said.

After states, the next level would be All East, which is a festival for the East Coast region, and then nationals, which take place in Orlando.