Two local teens sang at Carnegie Hall recently. They were two of five Canadians chosen to participate as part of a massive choir during the American High School Honours Performance Series on June 26.
Seamus Hogan, 18, and Shante Van Horlick, 16, attended the event after vocal teacher and choral director Jaclyn Riemer was invited to have students audition for the opportunity to attend the event.
There were 191 members of the choir who came together for five days of rehearsal before performing six pieces during one show.
"There was everything from Bach to the Lion King - they covered many different genres," said Riemer.
The teens said the experience was a bit overwhelming at times.
"To be part of this humongous sound is so overpowering," said Van Horlick. "So much was going on. It was really wonderful to part of the choir."
"Carnegie Hall was awesome," said Hogan. "Watching the extravagance of 191 people singing - the sound - just wow - it was so amazing."
Hogan and Van Horlick had the opportunity to work with world-renowned choral director Dr. Eph Ehly.
"He is the best director on the face of the Earth," said Hogan. "Next to Jaclyn, of course!"
The teens explained Dr. Ehly brought back the basics of performing, like facial expressions and a general enthusiasm for everything the choir did.
"Stand up with enthusiasm," said Hogan. "You have to live it - be excited to stand up."
Both Hogan and Van Horlick will be pursuing educations in music in the future.
Hogan will be attending the South Western Community College in Creston, Iowa in the fall on a full scholarship he was awarded during the Rocky Mountain Festival where the Bel Canto Choirs showcased their talents in Banff earlier this year.
"Seamus was awarded the largest scholarship offered to the students during the festival," said Riemer. "After he completes two years at the college in Iowa, he can then continue his studies at UBC for his degree in music."
Van Horlick and Hogan will be taking their Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music voice exam next June and Van Horlick will then audition for a variety of music schools.
"Because the quality of their voices is so great, both of my students will be accepted anywhere they wish to apply," said Riemer. "This is what they do. There are children that box, some play sports and this is what they do - they sing."
The American High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall was established to showcase some of the most talented student performers in high school today. Through an individual nomination and selection process, accomplished students are brought together in New York City with peers to comprise the Honors Choir and Honors Instrumental Ensembles. A Juilliard School seminar and several days of rehearsal under the direction of our renowned music conductors culminate in a life-changing performance at Carnegie Hall. Carnegie Hall represents excellence in musical performance, making it the perfect venue for the Honors Performance Series to showcase its student performers. June 26
