Choir takes on NYC

Quotes from the Choir

Sara Firm: “Working with Eric Whitacre was a blast! He has a way of making the singers work for him without us really knowing it.  He could have us run the same section 50 times and we wouldn’t mind because every time he brought a new idea and new life to the music.”

Kayla Lawrence: "The Whole trip was ethereal, wonderful, and too difficult to capture in words! Mr. Whitacre had a great charisma that made it very enjoyable to work with him. It was really evident that he loves what he does and that in turn made me love being part of it. His passion for his work, along with some of the other things we experienced that week, helped me grow artistically more than I could have imagined. I even auditioned for a solo, something I never would have dreamed of doing two years ago. That was just the effect Mr. Whitacre and his music had. There were so many wonderful things that happened besides the concert as well. I was able to drink in and fully experience one of the most amazing places on earth with my best friends! We had all kinds of adventures: getting lost on the subway; we got caught in the rain; seeing some amazing shows; discovering some of the best little shops and restaurants, but we did it together; we all would begin an adventure individually and then couldn't wait to share it with the others in our group and even those back home. I was very sad to see it end and after the concert I definitely floated back to my room on a cloud. I could never completely express how grateful I am to have been part of this, but Thank you to everyone involved! I think this trip has really pushed me to learn to dive into life and really live, and it has also retaught me how to experience the beauty and the Glory God gives to us through his creation and through other people. Over all, the only word that I can think of is that it was truly Glorious."

Zachary Rush: “Taking Initiative only ever constitutes greatness!  I remember looking on Myspace at one of my favorite choral composers listening to some of his great new pieces for his new musical, "Paradise Lost."  After reading his blog posts I found he had posted an invite for any performing groups to come sing with him in New York works of his music.  Immediately, I took initiative! I emailed the DCINY and got more information, and then also forwarded the idea to Dr. Roush.  The end result was pure greatness!  Singing with Eric came at a pretty hefty price tag, but the end result was worth so much more!  Because of who we are as a choir, and who we have as a director, we are able to among other "greats" in this country and sing for legendary people, the Mozart’s of our time!  What an incredible journey and life changing experience!”

Renee Willard:  “When it was all over I had tears in my eyes.  Suddenly all the frustration didn’t matter anymore.  I had sung a solo at Lincoln Center in New York City, and I knew that nothing could take that away from me.”

Amanda Kline:  “My reasoning for this trip was pretty simple, I would get to travel to New York and meet Eric Whitacre! What could be better? What I got from this experience was different from what I expected. As a music major, I was very fulfilled. I got to hear the thought process of one of the greatest living composers, it was very inspiring, and I hope to take some of the things he said to my future students. As a Christian, I was also very fulfilled. I had the opportunity to talk to many of my choirmates about religion and faith, more so than I would've during the course of the year. It was a very uplifting time. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to experience NYC with my choir family.”

Kaylee Danielson:  “New York was a great opportunity! Eric Whitacre is incredibly gifted and still so down to earth.  His story is proof that anyone can accomplish the things they set their heart on, no matter the training they have or lack.  Professionally it was just about all we as a performing group could have dreamed of.  It also was an amazing opportunity to witness to people about why we are who we are and our faith as we went around the city. Personally, I feel very blessed by all the opportunities New York presented for each of us! So thank you Sue and Dr. Roush for giving us this experience.”

Pictures of the trip