How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice, according to a familiar adage.

    That mindset has provided the Meridian High School Choir the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at the famous New York City concert venue. The choir is one of two choral music ensembles from Mississippi invited to participate in the New York Premiere performance of composer Dan Forrest’s “Requiem for the Living” on the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) Concert Series at Carnegie Hall.

     “The Meridian High School Choir received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers. It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York,” said Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY.

     “These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support,” Griffith said.

    The performance will be held Jan. 19, 2014, with 450 students from across the nation under the direction of Conductor Dr. James M. Meaders, professor and chair of the Department of Music and director of Choral Activities at Mississippi College. The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for the concert.

     “I am very excited and honored that our choir has been invited to participate in such a prestigious performance,” said Penny McLemore, director of the MHS Choir. “We will need the support of our entire community to make this trip become a reality.”

     The concert choir is also receiving rave revues from venues closer to home, having recently earned all “Superior” ratings at the District Choral Festival at William Carey University. Scoring for the festival is based on tone quality, rhythm, pitch, pronunciation and expression. The “Superior” ratings earn the choir the opportunity to move on to State Choral Festival at Pearl High School in early April.

     “We are thrilled that our students have the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall,” MHS Principal Victor Hubbard said. “That goes to show that the students and faculty of MHS are of the highest caliber.”

     Due to registration fees, hotel stays and distance of travel, this trip will cost students a large amount of money. Several fundraisers will be held throughout the year to help with costs.

 

Want to help?

    Community support is needed to defray expenses for the Meridian High School Choir’s upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. For more information on how you can help, contact Penny McLemore or Jennifer Davis at (601)484-4668.