GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Ah, New York City. The city so nice they named it twice. Frank Sinatra wanted to be a part of it. The over eight million people who call it home are a part of it. The bright lights of the Big Apple hold an everlasting appeal that warrants attention at the very sight of them.
Millions of people dream about visiting the Empire state, but many never make the trip.
For the Kimball Wiles Elementary School Wildcats Chorus, the dream of traveling to the city became a reality.
The group and their music director Carrie Olson, embarked on a memorable journey to New York City to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall as part of the Manhattan Concert Production (MSP) Festival Youth Series.
The Wildcat Chorus performed alongside some of the top youth ensembles from across the United States. Led by guest conductor Emily Ellsworth, the students performed several pieces for the MCP festival concert, entitled LUX.
Courtesy: ACPS
The performance included a diverse array of musical styles and languages, from Latin to Macedonian, and even Portuguese.
“The students embraced the challenge of this repertoire with enthusiasm, demonstrating their versatility and commitment through diligent rehearsal,” said Olson.
Better yet, 5th-grader Juniper Parker was selected from a pool of 50 students, ranging from elementary to high school seniors, to perform in a small ensemble a rendition of classical era composer Johann Michael Haydn’s “Regnia coeli.“
The students also got to see performances by the Masterwork Festival Chorus with the NYC Chamber Orchestra and the Reddam House Umhlanga College Choir from South Africa.
And, of course, they had time to be a tourist and sightsee the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and Times Square.
Students were even able to visit Broadway to catch the award-winning musical “Wicked.”
When reflecting back on the trip, Olson says it will not only provide fond memories for the students, but also invaluable cultural knowledge of music.
“It was an honor for the students to perform on the stage and in the hall revered as a sacred space by musicians worldwide,” said Olson. “This trip will shape their appreciation for music and cultural exchange for years to come.”