Carl Albert choir performs at Carnegie Hall

By Tonya Little
Midwest City Beacon

The Carl Albert High School choir traveled to New York City April 14-17 for a trip that included an opportunity to play at Carnegie Hall. This chance was given to them after competing at the WorldStrides competition in Nashville in 2022. Because of their outstanding performance during the competition, they were invited to be a part of the special choir at Carnegie Hall this spring.

Twenty-nine high school students as well as 18 family members made the trip. The group saw a number of sites including Top of the Rock, Central Park, Stardust Diner, and a taping of the Today Show. The group also got to see the Broadway performance of Wicked, and they spent time in rehearsal with the talented clinician, Dr. Jeffrey Redding before performing with a total of 200 students in Carnegie Hall.

“My absolute favorite part of New York was experiencing something so different from Oklahoma and making new friends from other states. It was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t be more grateful for,” said Sydney Pride, a junior.

Choir Director Randa Mitchell said she really enjoyed seeing her students experience NYC and Carnegie Hall for the first time. She also felt like the students were inspired by the experience of continuing their journeys in music as well as having the opportunity to see a variety of jobs where they could use their creativity as adults.

Austin Fisicaro, a junior, said he really loved the experience of just being there and seeing all the people and different lifestyles.

“My favorite part of going to NYC was seeing all of my friends and myself experience this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Carlie Strahorn, who is a senior.

No doubt the trip will be something the students will remember for the rest of their lives.