Carnegie Hall Program
How Awesome is this?
The Castro Valley High School A Cappella and Madrigals choir groups were selected to perform on April 4, 2016 at Carnegie Hall, the most prestigious concert hall in the country, singing in an honor choir with other top high schools and college choirs under the direction of Dr. Jamie Spillane, Professor of Choral Studies at the University of Connecticut. Through the support of our community, the students were able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will never be forgotten.
Message from the Choir Director
What a journey this year has been! I write this fresh off 5 magical days with the students in New York. This tour, participating in the Carnegie Program, is an example of one of those rare times in life where the experience truly lived up to the hype. I can't tell you how many students I have heard say things like, "This is the best thing I have ever done in my life." or "I will never forget this." This experience brought out the best in our students- they were professional, collegial, generous with each other and represented our school and our community in the best possible way.
Their spotlight performance at Carnegie Hall made waves! Never before as a conductor have I had that kind of reception after a concert- musicians and music fans from around the country were finding me to comment on just how moving the performance of A Cappella Choir was. And it was that good- best they have ever sounded in my opinion. They worked and worked all year long, and it all came together in that amazing performance. The sky is the limit for these students.
Festival Choir Conductor Jamie Spillane challenged the students in their practice going forward to do two things: 1. Spread Joy, and 2. Love More. What a fantastic message for them to walk away with. I tear up just thinking about it.
Thank you to all of you- for entrusting your students to me in this ambitious year of music preparation. You are the amazing "village" of supporters who pulled together to get each of our students there. It was truly a community effort, and I thank you for valuing music education and making it a priority for our students. This was a transcendent experience that YOU made possible.
Gratefully,
Laryssa Sadoway
