For aspiring performers all over the world, the chance to set foot in the distinguished Carnegie Hall must be by far one of the biggest honors. Recently this chance was given to CHS choir students.

On March 20, the choir group will be traveling to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall under Eric Whitacre, a Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor who has just recently released a piece called Chelsea Carol. Even with the efforts the students pooled into fundraising with See’s Candies and hosting a golf tournament, the trip was an investment of about 2,300 dollars.

“I think a trip this big is worth the time and money,” senior Brandon Chen said. “Working with someone that big in the music community, I can learn a lot of things.”

Under Whitacre’s guidance, the students will be performing two acts which include some of Whitacre’s best-known works such as Seal Lullaby, Little Birds, and a series of songs called Animal Crackers, on the Perelman Stage. With a total of 2,804 seats on five levels and 137 steps leading to the upper levels, the experience will be overwhelming.

“Being able to go to New York is really exciting, especially for my senior year being able to sing at Carnegie Hall with all my friends will be a once in a life-time opportunity,” senior Stevie Adler said.

Now, the singers spend an intense amount of time practicing for their concert on March 24 which will also feature famous pianist Tali Tadmor.

“Practices started a couple of months into the school year,” Adler said. “We had auditions and when we found out who was going, we started having rehearsals Wednesday during lunch and then after winter break, we added on a Thursday after school practice.”

While its focus is on the performance, the choir has made sure to allocate some time to explore New York and the prestigious places that all visitors must see.

“We’ll be very busy when we get there,” Adler said. “We’re taking tours, having breakfast at Julliard and we have lots of rehearsals.”

From performing at Carnegie Hall to practicing with the cast of Wicked and watching the musical live, choir students definitely look forward to this special five-day trip.