How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
If you are the choirs of Hazelwood East High School, you raise $28,000. The invitation is already on lock.
Distinguished Concerts International New York has invited the choirs and director Robert Swingler to participate in a performance of The Music of Greg Gilpin as part of its concert series in New York City.
The show is scheduled for February 20, 2012, at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium. The choir will join with others under the direction of composer and conductor Greg Gilpin, a Missouri native – if they can pay their way.
The estimated cost of the trip is $28,000. Participating choirs will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for the concert.
“I think we will need to rely on the generosity of our community members and businesses in the area,” Swingler said. “It is a very difficult economic time for everyone.”
Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for Distinguished Concerts International New York, said Hazelwood East High School choirs received the invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the singers and an “exceptional recommendation” by Gilpin.
Swingler said he was shocked at receiving the invitation.
“Greg Gilpin is a very well-respected composer in Missouri and throughout the United States,” Swingler said. “It would be one of the most memorable experiences in the students’ lives.”
Gilpin is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in vocal music education, and is an award-winning choral composer.
Swingler said the choir would include select members, with a balance of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.
“I haven’t contacted any students yet because I do not want to raise hopes and then have them disappointed,” said Swingler.
Once they raise the money, their work is far from over. They will spend approximately 9-10 hours in rehearsals during the five-day program in New York.
“If students and the community come together to make this a reality, it will take a lot of time both during and after school for months to prepare,” Swingler said. “Planning and traveling to New York City’s Carnegie Hall will be something totally new and challenging.”
Anyone interested in making a contribution can contact Robert Swingler by phone at 314-953-7371 or e-mail at rswinglr@hazelwoodschools.org.
