Irmo Students Shine at Carnegie Hall

News Summary

A group of 23 talented students from Irmo High School’s Concert Choir performed at Carnegie Hall, showcasing their dedication to music and social justice through their rendition of Kyle Pederson’s ‘A Vision Unfolding.’ Senior Sophie Johnson-Distefano earned a solo spot, making her school proud. The choir, guided by conductor Kenny Potter, experienced a memorable trip including a Broadway show. This achievement reflects their hard work and commitment to the arts.

Irmo Students Shine Bright at Carnegie Hall!

This past weekend, a remarkable group of 23 talented students from Irmo High School’s Concert Choir took the stage at none other than the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City! Talk about a dream come true! These eager young singers joined approximately 170 fellow vocalists from across the country, showcasing their passion for music and commitment to their craft.

A Focus on Important Themes

The choir performed Kyle Pederson’s exquisite piece “A Vision Unfolding,” a powerful composition that addresses themes of social justice. It’s always fantastic to see young artists using their voices to create awareness about significant issues. The performance was under the expert direction of Kenny Potter, a talented conductor from the Charlotte area, ensuring that everything went off without a hitch.

A Star Soloist

Among these gifted singers was Irmo High School senior Sophie Johnson-Distefano, who earned the remarkable opportunity to be featured in a solo group during the performance. It’s such an honor to be recognized for one’s hard work and talent, and Sophie undoubtedly made her school and community proud!

A Cast of Many

The excitement didn’t stop there! The Choir included many students from the International School for the Arts; each one contributed their heart and soul on stage. Some of the talented participants were:

• 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

Hard Work Pays Off

Frank Turner, the Choral Director at Irmo High School, expressed late nights and unwavering dedication put forth by the students leading up to the big day. Balancing preparations for their Carnegie Hall performance alongside other commitments, including All-State Chorus and sports, takes a lot of energy and time. Yet, these students stepped up, proving their devotion to their craft.

A Memorable Trip

Of course, a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without some fun! The students were treated to an exhilarating showing of “The Lion King” on Broadway. What an extraordinary experience that must have been for them! Not only did they get to enjoy an unforgettable musical, but they even had the chance to meet a cast member, Ezekiel McCall. Such a cool opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry!

Conclusion

For many of these students involved in musicals at Irmo High School, experiencing Broadway firsthand was another feather in their cap. This opportunity is just the beginning for these young singers, and it’s clear that their enthusiasm and dedication to music have taken them to magnificent new heights. The entire Irmo community should be justifiably proud of their achievements at Carnegie Hall!

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Additional Resources

• ABC Columbia: Irmo High Choir Students Perform at Carnegie Hall
• Cola Daily: Irmo High School Concert Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall
• WACH: Local High School Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall
• Wikipedia: Carnegie Hall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Choir