Granite Hills chamber singers choir earns privilege after solid showing in Las Vegas
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
For many singers, the opportunity to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall would surely be the chance of a lifetime. Next March, 38 students in Granite High School’s chamber singers choir in Apple Valley are hoping to seize that dream. They will join choral groups from all over the United States for a classical music concert at the prestigious venue.
Granite Hills High choir director Shane Churchill said his ensemble earned the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall after receiving a Gold rating last April at the WorldStrides Heritage Performance Festival competition in Las Vegas.
According to WorldStrides’ website, www.ws.educationaltravel.com, the organization is a leading provider of educational student travel that creates life-changing trips for students of all ages to destinations around the globe.
“It was quite an honor for myself and my students to achieve the Gold Award at regionals because there are so few schools that do,” said Churchill, who’s been teaching at Granite Hills High School for 14 years. “And now, we are headed to New York to sing on one of the famous stages in the country.
“It’s all very exciting but we still have a lot of work ahead of us in order to represent the High Desert as best as we can. Hopefully, our participation in this event will serve to bring more national attention to our area.”
Churchill said although the musical selections for the Carnegie Hall concert have not yet been announced by WorldStrides, he does know that they will all be classical pieces directed by renowned conductors Andre Thomas and Tim Seelig.
To prepare for the show, Churchill’s chamber singers have already committed to practicing outside of school hours, such as on lunch breaks and weekends.
“I am very passionate about classical music, so we have a strong tradition in that genre here at Granite Hills,” Churchill said.
While Churchill expects the music for the concert will be challenging, he says raising enough money for every one of his choir students to participate will also be challenging. The group plans to hold fundraising activities and ask local businesses to contribute in exchange for advertising in school event programs.
Churchill has high hopes for a successful campaign.
“When my students have a goal in sight, they work very well toward achieving it together,” said Churchill. “They really remind me of a sports team in that way where there is so much camaraderie. I believe they can do anything they set their minds to.”
Along with team spirit and a drive to succeed, Churchill said his choral students all have hearts of a champion. He is expecting big things from the group both at Carnegie Hall and in their future endeavors beyond the halls of Granite Hills High School.
“One of my students’ greatest strengths is that they are open to learning and also to trusting me to point them in the right direction,” said Churchill. “They also are all very talented and focused. I feel extremely fortunate these kids have chosen to be a part of my program.”
Those who wish to make a donation to Granite Hills High School’s chamber singers choir should contact Churchill at 760-961-2290, ext. 2411.