BRAVO!

Many of the students went on the backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall the morning. Others, did their last minute shopping or slept in before the big night.


At rehearsal, we learned that the children were in box seats on the side of the stage so they could be seen and heard over the orchestra. The were pretty high up, and for some of the children this was a bit scary. All of the children had to practice were to look and how to stand in this new situation. Clay Aiken was at rehearsal (he is emceeing the concert) and commented that the children were doing a great job. 


When the concert began, the children were seated for the first part - Tim Seelig conducted Flowers Over the Graves of War. It was a very moving piece. 


After intermission, it was finally time! Mr. Gilpin walked to the podium, the children stood, and the concert began. The children's voices filled the world’s most famous concert hall. When the children sang "A Child's Credo" is was as if angels had entered the room and were singing. Their pure, clear voices filled the historic hall. 


The concert ended with Greg Gilpin's arrangement of "The Wizard of Oz." When the children chanted, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my," Mr. Gilpin played along by being scared, and the audience was delighted. 


When the concert was over, there was a standing ovation. There were many wonderful musicians that participated in the concert. The adult choir, other students, the orchestra and the children of the Honor Choir were superb! When everyone came together with the acoustics of Carnegie Hall, it was majestic. 


There was a fun reception afterwards at Rosie O'Gradys. The food was wonderful, and Mr. Gilpin came and  took a few pictures with the children.


Tomorrow is travel day! We are sad to leave the Big Apple, but there is no place like home - TEXAS!