- February 5, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Carnegie Hall, known as one the most prestigious venues in the world for both classical and popular music, hosts more than 250 performances each season.
In the spring, the Atlantic High School choir will be one of them.
Last spring, Mary Morrow, chorus and OnStage Academy director for Atlantic High, submitted a recording of the choir to Manhattan Concert Productions, a New York-based production company that offers performing opportunities to choirs, bands and orchestras at prestigious venues around the world.
Its response was an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall for the venue's 2018-2019 concert series. The choir will travel to New York in March during spring break for its performance.
Morrow said it is a big win for the choir, which comes from a high school nestled between two larger schools in a small city. She said Atlantic High School is also the first school from Volusia County to receive an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall.
"It is an incredible honor for these students to be invited on their own merit," she said.
Morrow said when she began working at the high school three years ago, her goal was to elevate her students and put them in the spotlight.
Support from parents and the community, as well as the work ethic of the students, has helped her reach that goal. However, "sweat equity" can only get them so far, she said.
The trip will cost $1,500 for each student. She encouraged the community to continue supporting the choir by attending performances, stopping at their car wash fundraisers and making monetary donations, which can be delivered to the school.
Morrow said she has travelled to Carnegie Hall with students in the past, and it is a life-changing opportunity.
"I wouldn't be doing it if it didn't make a difference in the life of my students," she said.
