Indiana University's Singing Hoosiers from the Jacobs School of Music performed Sunday night at Valparaiso High School. The group put on a concert to help raise funds for the Valparaiso High School Concert Choir's trip to sing at Carnegie Hall this June.
Choir director Linda Schonbachler, and choir group manager Amanda Fetch have been working hard to support the choir's goal of getting 25 students to Carnegie Hall. Valparaiso High School is one of six schools that were invited to attend this year. This is a great opportunity for the students to learn outside of the classroom.
"It's huge to have that kind of experience to perform at a world class concert Hall. Their director, Dr. John Rutter, from the UK is a very prestigious person and wonderful to work with. It will be exciting for the students be able to have a conductor that wrote the piece actually conduct them. They will be learning lots of wonderful skills as well." said Schonbachler
The choir at Valparaiso High School strives to broaden the horizons for their students and takes any opportunity they can to further their knowledge in music.
"We like to take them to different shows throughout the year, so they can see what music is outside of school choir. There's more to music outside of Valpo." said Fetch
When the Singing Hoosiers were asked to help out for the fundraiser, they were more than happy to lend their talents. With the help of Valparaiso High School Choir alumni Andrew Wolverton, the Singing Hoosiers made their way to Valparaiso to put on a great show.
"We love being able to help out other schools with fundraisers. We have always gone to smaller schools for either entertainment or for fundraisers like this. This is something that we pride ourselves of doing, so it's great that we were able to come out here and help," said Wolverton.
Lead by director Dr. Steve Zegree, the Singing Hoosiers sang a variation of songs ranging from "Georgia on My Mind," "In My Life," and "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Students from surrounding schools gathered in the VHS auditorium along with members of the community to watch the Singing Hoosiers perform.
With the help of fundraisers, bake sales, donations, and the Singing Hoosiers, the members of the Valparaiso High School Concert Choir hope to raise the sufficient funds to perform at Carnegie Hall this June.
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