Prague-bound students to perform at send-off concert Sunday

NORWICH – Following a year of preparation and fundraising, a select group of eight Norwich High School students and members of the NHS Madrigals Singers and Choir will perform one final time before traveling overseas for the annual Prague Choral Festival.
At 4 p.m. on Sunday at the United Church of Christ, 11 Main St., the group – which includes Dillon Smith, Joshua Seeley, Josh Mahannah, Brooke Bonney, Sean Sheldon, Tambria Schroeder, Amanda Caulfield and Megan Reynolds – will hold its Sing Out for Prague Send-Off Concert. According to NHS Music Director Mary Mayo, it’s a chance for the students to say thank you to the community and its continued support over the last 12 months.
Mayo said the students have had a demanding year, both academically and musically. In April, seven of the eight participated in the school’s production of “Phantom of the Opera,” which Mayo called an accomplishment in and of itself.
At the same time, the students also learned several extremely challenging movements of Mozart’s “Requiem” for the NHS Spring Concert, prepared their individual NYSSMA solos and attended all-county and area all-state festivals, as well as the NYSSMA majors.
Add to all of that the students’ school work, which includes advanced courses for many, and it’s easy to see why this group is so special, said Mayo.
“These students are expected to excel in everything they do and they have exceeded my expectations at every turn,” she added.
In July, all of that hard work will have paid off, according to Mayo, when the group departs for the “City of a Hundred Spires,” a musical mecca and the capital of the Czech Republic.
Approximately 400 students from all over the globe will attend the annual festival, where they’ll take part in a number of clinics, musical workshops and concerts. Thanks to the Norwich group’s Prague Festival sponsor, Hartwick College, the students will have an opportunity to work with some of the world’s finest choral conductors, Dr. André Thomas, Dr. Anton Armstrong and Dr. Raymond Wise, said Mayo.
“Having worked with these fine educators on a number of occasions, I can say that the knowledge, intensity and enthusiasm of these individuals will leave a lasting impression,” she added. “We will be performing side-by-side with professional choirs from Siberia, Russia and the Czech Republic, as well as American high school, college and community choirs.”
NHS junior and member of the Madrigals Singers Joshua Mahannah said he’s excited for the trip following the group’s year of hard work and preparation. He added it’s his first trip overseas, which is also exciting.
“It’s a big deal for anybody from a small town like Norwich,” said Mahannah. “We’ll be increasing our vocal potential, meeting people from other countries and I think it’s going to be a very positive experience.”
Tambria Schroeder, a sophomore at NHS and fellow member of the Madrigals, agreed. This will be her second trip across the Atlantic, she added, having spent a summer at the British Isles.
“I’m excited to work with the different conductors and meet new people. Seeing the sights will be pretty amazing as well,” stated Schroeder. “It’s been an extremely long process, but we’ve become such a close group working together over the last year.”
Mayo said she wished to thank the Norwich City School District for its continued commitment to music education, the community at large for its financial support and the students’ families for their hard work.
“Our students’ musical skills have been developed and nurtured in the school music program. Without music education, these students would not have the level of skill necessary to participate in this world-class festival,” stated Mayo. “I’d also like to thank the Norwich community for its out-pouring of support during tough economic times, it’s been so touching.”
Special guests the NHS Madrigal Singers will join the Prague-bound students for a pair of performances on Sunday, William L. Dawson’s “Ezekial Saw De Wheel” and Dr. André Thomas’ “My Good Lord’s Done Been Here.” For more information on Pennies for Prague or to make a donation contact Mayo at 334-9476.

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