On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Maggie Dwyer, Evy Joudrey, Madison Sees, and Grace Noel participated in The American Choral Director’s Association Eastern Division Elementary Honor Choir in Providence, RI. These four students spent countless hours preparing for this prestigious choir at home and with me during their lunch at school.
They practiced from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Thursday and Friday and performed on Saturday with just over 100 students from 11 states. They were four of eight students representing Massachusetts! The choir had the opportunity to learn from internationally-known conductor Sophia Miller. Sophia “has prepared choruses for national and international radio and television appearances, recording sessions, collaborative performances with such artists as Meredith Monk, the Kronos Quartet and the Stephen Petronio Company, and for performances not only in New York City, but also in major venues throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and South America. Through these trips, she has been part of a dedicated team whose vision strives to lead young people to different parts of the world, sharing music at the highest level of artistic excellence while immersing themselves in their surrounding cultures as musical ambassadors of peace and hope”.
Jim Papoulis, a composer and educator, made an appearance to work with the chorus. I teach many of his pieces and am excited to bring him to Center School to work with fourth-grade students in April! In addition to composing music and working with children’s choirs, he has also collaborated with Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Beyonce, the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, London Boys Choir, London Symphony, Beijing Children's Choir, Faith Hill, Natalie Cole, Snoop Dogg, Imagine Dragons, just to name a few.
The ACDA Elementary Choir performed the world premiere of Space Hurricane by Francisco J. Núñez. Mr. Núñez also made an appearance on Friday to speak with the choir about the creation of this piece and help them bring it to life. Bringing a new piece of art into the world is always special.
Having students participate in this choir was a great honor and privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity and support everyone in the Center School Community has provided me and our students. Congratulations, Evy, Maggie, Grace, and Madison. If you see them, please congratulate them and thank them for representing Center School well.
Please find an excerpt from their rehearsal below.
In Music,
Mr. McGillicuddy
