Chorus Invitational - 2020

  This past weekend, the Men of Nazareth (MON) and Nightingales traveled to State College High School to participate in a Chorus Invitational hosted by Dr. Anthony Leach and Essence 2 LTD.

It was an early departure and a long ride on route 80!

 But the students passed the time with relaxing....and of course singing!

 We were SOOO excited that Rachel Flicker was able to join us.  Rachel accompanied choirs, and especially the Nightingales, for 6 years while being a student at Nazareth Area Middle and High Schools!!!  She is now a Freshman at Penn State University majoring in Music Education with an emphasis in piano.

 We got a chance to get warmed up...

 And sing for Dr. Leach.  This entire concert was a project organized by Dr. Leach.  All of the directors who brought choirs had been past students of his while at Penn State.  There were 7 choirs in attendance and they all combined together to sing two pieces directed by Dr. Leach.

 We then had a quick lunch and prepped for the concert..

 Quick pep talk!

 Looking good!

 Off we go!

 All of our music came from the African-American tradition.  This music is beautiful and powerful and can be both heartbreaking and exhilarating!

 

 We then had a bit of time to head up the hill to Penn State University.

Nazareth Nightingales

Men of Nazareth

 A few of us went to THON!!!

 And others went to the Creamery!

 And got back on the bus to make the trip home to Nazareth!

I think the following from Giovy, a new member of Nightingales, perfectly sums up out day:

"I remember walking off the stage after we performed and having goosebumps. I got teary-eyed and I tried to keep it together but I couldn't. I don't think I'll ever forget Mrs. Rocchi seeing me cry and telling me "That's what we call the Nightingale Reaction. Welcome." At that moment I truly felt like a Nightingale. I think it was the experience of singing such beautiful music and the rush and the excitement of the songs, "Praise His Holy Name" and "Walk Together Children", and the emotion of "Jordan's Angels". I started to not only think of the songs but also the people that I sang them with. I began to think of how proud I was of all of my fellow Nightingales and how much I love and appreciate every single one of them and how blessed I am to be a part of something so amazing and with all of our hard work and dedication and love for music and each other, we really do create some beautiful music together."

Nightingales' Carnegie Hall Performance

Nightingales Make it to Carnegie Hall!

After all of the hard work of learning and perfecting the songs for our Carnegie Hall debut, the Nightingales fought an anticipated snow storm to get all the way to NYC.  Because of the forecast, the trip could have been canceled. But with much help and determination from Nazareth's Blue Eagle Foundation, Principal Alan Davis, Superintendent Dr. Riker, and the wonderful Daniel Shin from the Shoreham Hotel, the day trip quickly turned into a 2 night stay in NYC. This trip led to city adventures, a memorable performance, and closer relationships among all Nightingales.

 We set out bright and early Saturday morning before the travel ban could go into effect.

 We had a fantastic day in the city!

 Did a quick rehearsal in our hotel!

Hotel rehearsal!

 And then set off for Carnegie Hall Sunday morning.  After a day full of rehearsals....and meeting Gwyneth Walker.....

Concert prep!

...it was time for the Nazareth Nightingale's to take the stage!

Nightingales' Program:

Come, Ye Makers of Song- Ruth Watson Henderson

Keep Yo Lamps- Rosephanye Powell

1941- Andrea Ramsey
Will the Circle Be Unbroken- Arranged by J. David Moore

 We then headed back to our hotel to spend another night in the city.  Thanks to our fantastic host, Daniel Shin, we had a super fun movie night!

Movie night after an amazing show

Photo with one of our biggest fans, Daniel Shin

Thanks for the memories!

Naz Chorus Holiday Season Performances

Nazareth Choral Performances

As the holiday season approached, Nazareth choral groups worked hard to spread cheer for the community at many different events.

To kick off the season, Nazareth chorus hosted a benefit concert to help raise money to send the Nightingales to Pittsburgh for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Conference. We had the privilege to hear a Nazareth alumni choir, and some separate performances by alumni Liz Kerner Pensack and Craig Albert. The night also included performances by the Nightingales, Crescendudes, Rachel Flicker, and a duet with Nazareth seniors, Kelly Oakley and Fran Bernsdorf.

After the benefit concert, Nazareth chorus had a lot of work to do before the winter break arrived!

Chorale's first performance was Allen Organ 

Chorale then performed at Christkindlmarket

Chorale then performed at Christmas in Nazareth 

Following Christmas in Nazareth and Chorale's performance for the Nazareth Women's Club, next was our very first Holiday Pops Concert. This included all choral groups, band groups, orchestra, and Block of Rock performing holiday music from different parts of the auditorium.

 

Nightingales, Chorale, Crescendudes, and Noteworthy then performed at the beautiful Moravian Church of Nazareth

Nightingales and Noteworthy then performed at Alexandria Manor 

Last but not least, Chorale performed for the Rotary Club

It's been an amazing holiday season and end to 2018. Nazareth Chorus is extremely excited for all of the things to come in 2019!

2018 District Chorus

 865 students converged on Parkland High School's campus a few Monday's ago to audition for the highly regarded Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Chorus.  The students went through a rigorous audition process where each student sang a portion of a prepared piece as well as sightread an excerpt of music.  Students were given a numerical score based on his or her audition.  The top 25 scores in each voice part will move onto participate in the District 10 Chorus.  This year the festival will be held at Exeter High School in February.   The guest conductor is Dr. Rachel Cornacchio who is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Music Education at Messiah College.

 During the District Chorus Festival, the students will re-audition again in hopes of moving onto the Region V Chorus.

 CONGRATS to our Nazareth students who will be representing NAHS at the District 10 Festival!

Nazareth's PMEA District 10 Chorus Participants!

Sunny Arigela

Elizabeth Abramo

Steven Fuquay

Billy Butler

Rachel Flicker

Mary Doyle

Fran Bernsdorf

Dominick Philip

Ethan Doyle

Megan Hunter

Good luck at District Chorus!!!!