Leah Leinbach always felt shy singing in front of people.

With a push from her mom and choir director Courtney Rowley, the Ballard High School senior shelved her jitters and joined the concert choir last year.

“I’m kind of a newbie,” she said. “[But] I’ve always really loved singing. It took a lot of prodding to finally get me to join, but I’m so glad I did.”

In May, Leinbach and the rest of the choir will get a chance to belt do re mi in a classier setting: New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, accompanied by the Distinguished Concerts International New York professional orchestra.

“Singing at Lincoln Center, that’s making it big,” Leinbach said. “That’s where singers go when they become famous. I know we’re just a high school choir, but it’s so exciting to sing in front of so many people.”

Rowley, who is in her third year teaching at Ballard, is a bit of a newbie herself. But, when University of Washington associate director of choral studies Giselle Wyers invited the choir to croon Randall Thompson's "Frostiana" under her direction at Lincoln Center, Rowley gladly accepted.

Since then, it has been constant preparation and fundraising as the music boosters work to send as many kids as they can.

“They’ve worked so hard and come so far,” Rowley said. “For me, it’s the first year that all the kids in the program have had me their whole time. They’re so committed and they’re so involved. They’re in the musical, on sports teams, editing yearbook, on newspaper, working, getting good grades. I feel a lot of pride for what they’re doing.”

Next door, the Ballard High School orchestra is also rehearsing for a New York trip. They'll pack their strings in two weeks to perform at the Riverside Church in Harlem with ensembles from across the country.

Before the 9 a.m. bell rings on a Friday—and even for a few frantic minutes afterward—the high-school musicians flutter about the room, plucking their instruments and shuffling sheet music. The ruckus fades to silence as director Michael James commands order, flapping his arms as they tune for a Bach melody.

Two years ago, James led the orchestra to a San Francisco festival, where the group nabbed first place. That qualified them for this month’s competition.

"It’s unusual that both our groups travel on the same year," James said. "And then to have such a big trip like New York City, it’s great for the school and the Ballard community that our music groups are out there doing these kinds of things."

For many, it’s their first time traveling to the East Coast. But, the recession has made it tough for families to afford airfare, hotels and even meals in the pricey Big Apple.

Of the 55 singers, 47 are able to attend, along with 34 of 39 orchestra students.

"This is by far one of the most expensive trips we’ve taken," Rowley said. "A lot of families are really struggling. Our music boosters give $10,000 in scholarships that they fundraise for. And, we're always looking for donations to the scholarship fund."

Rowley said they always fall a little short, so they welcome support from the Ballard community.

Teachers and students emphasized this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and all the practicing will pay off once the New York spotlight shines on them before an audience of hundreds, maybe thousands.

“These are the kinds of things that when people look back, they remember from high school,” Rowley said. “The moments they remember will be the time spent learning and preparing for these trips and having the wonderful performance opportunities.”

To donate, call or email Courtney Rowley at 206.252.1035 or chrowley@seattleschools.org or Michael James at 206.252.1034 or mijames@seattleschools.org.