Information provided by Ballard High School

Led by Director Courtney Rowley, the combined Concert Choir and Advanced Women’s Chorale from Ballard High School will depart for New York City today where they will participate in a festival at Queens College and perform onstage at Carnegie Hall.

The 2016 COA Nationals for Top Choirs takes place March 17th - 19th, 2016. Ballard is among a select group of schools from across the United States who were chosen to participate. While in New York, the choirs will attend master classes, receive clinics and adjudications from world-class choral conductors, and combine with other top choirs for an awe-inspiring performance on stage at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium. Directed by Dr. Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf College, the concert will include a Massed Choir Performance, a Spotlight Performance from Ballard High School, and the World Premiere of a new composition by noted composer André Thomas.

Ms. Rowley notes this is the first time for Ballard students to perform at Carnegie and it is causing much excitement. There was no problem finding parents who wanted to chaperone for this trip! Between workshops and rehearsals, there will be time for sightseeing to take in all the city has to offer. The itinerary includes a meal at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner where actors sing showtunes and wait tables to make ends meet in the Big Apple. Could this be in the future for some of the ambitious singers in the Ballard choirs? It would not be surprising if a few are Broadway bound after college.

In addition to the Choir appearance, the Ballard Wind Ensemble will be appearing at Carnegie Hall in 2017. Whatever is going on in the Ballard Performing Arts department, it must include a lot of practice, practice, practice!