Irmo High School Choir Shines at Carnegie Hall

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Irmo High School Concert Choir performing at Carnegie Hall

News Summary

The Irmo High School Concert Choir, consisting of 23 dedicated students, delivered a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall alongside 170 other singers. Conducted by Kenny Potter, they showcased their talent through Kyle Pederson’s composition ‘A Vision Unfolding,’ which highlights social justice themes. Senior soloist Sophie Johnson-Distefano stood out, contributing to the choir’s remarkable success while they also enjoyed a Broadway experience in New York City. This trip, filled with hard work and collaboration, reinforced their love for music and teamwork.

Irmo High School’s Concert Choir Steals the Spotlight at Carnegie Hall

In an exciting triumph for the small town of Irmo, South Carolina, 23 talented students from the Irmo High School Concert Choir recently took to the grand stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City. This prestigious venue, known for hosting some of the finest musical acts in the world, provided the perfect backdrop for these young singers to showcase their dedication and talent.

Joining Forces for a Powerful Message

In a spectacular collaboration, the Irmo High School Concert Choir joined around 170 singers from various parts of the country. Together, they delivered a moving performance of Kyle Pederson’s composition, “A Vision Unfolding.” This poignant piece emphasizes themes of social justice, connecting with the hearts of the audience and inspiring conversations about the world we live in.

An Accomplished Conductor at the Helm

The choir was skillfully guided by conductor Kenny Potter, a respected figure in the Charlotte area who brought his expertise and enthusiasm to the performance. After the choir’s dress rehearsal, he couldn’t help but express how impressed he was with their preparation and spirit, fueling the excitement leading up to the big show.

A Star Soloist Shines Bright

Among the 23 singers, Sophie Johnson-Distefano, an accomplished senior at Irmo High School, had the honor of being selected for a special solo group during the performance. Her remarkable vocal abilities added an extra layer of brilliance to the performance, exemplifying the level of talent within the choir.

Meet the Choir: A Talented Ensemble

The students who represented the Irmo High School Concert Choir were not just anyone; they were a meticulously selected group from the International School for the Arts. The full lineup of these aspiring musicians included:

Ava Alsup
Baylie Batchelor
Anasia Bryant
Summer Daniels
Jonas Dillon-Sauer
Taylor Ellis
Chloe Erwin
Emmalyn Grant
Isabella Howe
Liana Joseph
Danielle Lawrence
Malia Lewis
Abby Mazzei
Ciara Moorer
Jacob Quinones
Jayden Samuels
Meadow Sapienza-Chaney
Khloe Seabrooks
Cherish Taylor
Christiana Valdez
Zerachiel Valdez
Viviana Zavala

A Team Effort

Choral Director Frank Turner expressed immense pride in the students’ hard work and professionalism throughout their preparation period. Not an easy feat, the choir balanced rehearsals for the Carnegie Hall performance with other commitments, including the All-State Chorus, Concert Performance Assessments, their school musical “Mamma Mia,” and even sports. Such determination and teamwork truly focused their collective energy toward achieving this incredible milestone.

A Broadway Experience to Remember

While in New York, the students didn’t just sing their hearts out; they also enjoyed an unforgettable evening watching Broadway’s spectacular rendition of “The Lion King.” They were thrilled to meet cast member Ezekiel McCall, adding a dash of star power to their already exhilarating experience. For many students involved in school musicals, this trip provided a firsthand taste of the vibrant world of Broadway productions, sparking inspiration for their own future performances.

A Journey Worth Celebrating

The trip to Carnegie Hall was more than just a performance; it was an experience that reinforced the bond among the choir members and showcased the rich talent found in Irmo High School’s music program. The students left New York with not only memories but also a renewed passion for music and social activism.

As the echoes of their performance continue to resonate, the Irmo High School Concert Choir stands as a shining example of what dedication, teamwork, and a love for music can achieve.