Independence High Choir Performs at Carnegie Hall

Published July 9, 2015

Students from Independence High recently had a performance of a lifetime in one of the world’s most prestigious performance venues, Carnegie Hall.

The 55 choir members spent a year preparing for the trip and practicing nine pieces from Handel’s Messiah that they would perform with the help of Independence High Choral Director MaryLee Atenhan.

“It was magical, surreal and emotional,” said Atenhan. “I’m incredibly proud of the girls, who were vocally so young. This was difficult music and was out of their range at first, but we worked through that. The guys were spot on as well.”

Not only were parents invited to sing with their children, but Atenhan was also invited to sing with her choir.

“The culminating piece was the performance, getting on that stage and being able to sing with the kids,” said Atenhan. “The orchestra had period instruments and it sounded beautiful.”

While in NYC, the 55 students and 15 parents took in most of the New York sites. Students experienced Rockefeller Center, Macy’s, Hearld Square, The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial and the Freedom Tower, Central Park, Fifth Avenue, The Museum of Modern Art and Little Italy, to name a few. Students also chose from two Broadway plays to see, The Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables.

“New York City has won our hearts,” said parent chaperon Christa Lanford. “This group of students was beyond amazing and represented Tennessee very well. Whether they were singing on the subway, Central Park or Carnegie Hall, the trip was very special to them in more way then one. This was their last event with Mrs. Atenhan, as she retired from teaching in May, and her students were beyond blessed to be able to send her off with such an amazing trip.”