100 middle and high school students, and a few alumni of Young Singers of the Palm Beaches just returned from New York City where they performed in concert on one of the most prestigious stages in the world - Carnegie Hall.
The Young Singers participated in the National Youth Chorus Concert, “A Light Shines: Life In Harmony” on Saturday, June 8th 2024. The Young Singers opened the concert as the Spotlight Choir. Led by YSPB Co-Founders and Conductors Shawn Berry and Connie Drosakis, the singers performed “Cherokee Morning Song” which was arranged by YSPB Co-Founder Michael Yannette. Other pieces the choir performed were Aurora’s “Apple Tree” with percussion sticks by YSPB choir member Rishi Iyer, and Z.Randall Stroope’s “Homeland.” Recent Young Singer graduate Isabella Bernal accompanied the choir on the piano, along with YSPB's pianist and percussionist Eric Rucker.
After their performance as Spotlight Choir, the Young Singers participated in the Festival Choir on Carnegie’s stage, joining 140 other singers from the U.S. selected by audition. The Festival Choir was conducted by Vincent Oakes and Andrew Minear.
Young Singer Sage Duke was selected from among the 240 singers as soloist for the Festival Choir’s piece “Hheshe.” Also selected as part of a small ensemble for that same piece were Young Singers Ailey Tetrault and Katie Whitfield.
“This weekend was an incredibly memorable moment for our young performer’s budding musical career.” noted Sage Duke’s mother Jen. “She auditioned, was selected, and performed a solo at Carnegie Hall. My heart was jumping out of my chest with pride! Young Singers Palm Beaches will always be Sage’s vocal performance origin story.”
During the trip, the Young Singers had time between rehearsals to enjoy the sights of New York, including a visit to Top of the Rock, the Stardust Diner, and a Broadway show.
Founded over 21 years ago, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches is South Florida’s largest community children’s choir with over 350 singers in 2nd through 12th grade, who come from different schools, public, private and homeschools in Palm Beach County.
If your child or teen is interested in joining Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, auditions are available on August 11, 2024, and again at a date TBD. Visit www.yspb.org/audition for requirements and registration.
