Twenty-three members of the Kentwood High School Choir will perform Monday, March 24 at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The students will join Northeastern University (Boston) choral students to perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria.”
“This prestigious invitation highlights the choir’s dedication, skill, and artistry, as they were selected based on their outstanding audition tape and stellar reputation,” according to a March 20 Kent School District press release. “The Kentwood Choir will be the only high school ensemble performing at the event, making this an incredible honor and a reflection of the district’s commitment to nurturing student talent and creativity.”
In preparation for their Carnegie Hall performance, the choir recently performed “Gloria” with the Kentwood Chamber Orchestra during their mid-winter concert at the Kentwood Performing Arts Center in Covington.
“I was excited for our chamber orchestra to collaborate with our choir students and do this baroque classical piece together,” said choral director Daisy Li-Emans, who has led the Kentwood Choir for the past 18 years.
Li-Emans fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where students with a shared passion for music come together, creating a diverse and harmonious ensemble, according to the district.
“I invite students to join the choir if they have a passion and interest in singing,” Li-Emans said. “I often say we are diverse in talent but united in voices.”
Under her direction, students are encouraged to grow musically and personally, gaining access to additional opportunities such as jazz choir or The Lilacs, a soprano and alto ensemble that competes regionally.
Through their musical journey, students develop valuable skills that extend beyond the stage. Studying music takes a lot of patience, teamwork, dedication, respect, and grace, Li-Emans said. She champions the philosophy of “practice over perfection,” reminding her students that being a performer is about progress, not flawlessness.
“Being a performer means you show what your progress is, even if it’s not necessarily perfect yet,” she said.
The choir’s success is made possible through the support of the entire Kentwood community. The choir booster club raises funds throughout the year, ensuring students have access to transformative experiences like their Carnegie Hall trip.
The Kentwood High Choir also performed in 2018 at Carnegie Hall.
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