The Warrior Weekly

Choir Enjoys Spring Break in New York
Thirty seven members of the Lakehill Chorale, accompanied by Mr. Herron, Mrs. Booth, and several chaperones, traveled to New York City over Spring Break to take a bite out of the Big Apple and spend five days learning and performing in a city known for its bright lights and big opportunities.

A Sunday visit to Saint Patrick's Cathedral for a music Mass left students in awe of the cathedral choir and the huge 150-year-old cathedral. That evening, as they explored the lights and sights of the city's iconic Times Square, the students gave an impromptu performance on the ruby-red glass steps of Times Square that was an exhilarating experience for all.

The Choir sang at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, performing the five songs they are preparing for the upcoming ISAS Arts Festival in April. "I will never forget the look on their faces when they sang their first note in the Cathedral," Tracy Herron explained. "When they stopped singing, their sound continued for about seven more seconds. It was truly awe inspiring. They then sang a concert with their whole body and mind which was truly breathtaking for everyone in the Cathedral that day." That evening, students attended the fabulous performance of Atilla at the Metropolitan Opera.

The students gained personal and professional expertise through various workshops led by accomplished actors, dancers, and singers. Several students were selected to perform and then be critiqued by the professionals. The students also had the opportunity to learn about the audition process from cast members of In the Heights, the upbeat musical that won the students over with its contemporary Latin-flavored score and Tony-winning hip-hop dance moves. "The dancers from In the Heights even taught us one of the dances from the musical," reported junior Katherine Crocker. "That evening, I was stunned to see that the dance we had spent two hours learning was only a ten-second piece of the musical!"

The students were able to pay their respects at Ground Zero before visiting St. Paul's Chapel, where a large crowd gathered to enjoy the Choir's impromptu concert. "There were so many great memories," said sophomore Austin Simpson. It was an experience I will always remember."

What's next for this talented, traveling band of vocalists? On Friday, March 26, the group heads to Houston for the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) Concert and Sight Reading Festival. The public will have the opportunity to enjoy this award-winning Choir at Lakehill's upcoming Spring Choir Concert on Thursday, April 29 at 7:00 pm in the Charles Wyly, Jr. Auditorium.