Local high schoolers perform at Carnegie Hall

McKayla Inghram- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - Thirty-six Mustangs from Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Chorus performed this past Sunday at New York’s Carnegie Hall as part of the National Youth Choir.

LRHS Chorus was chosen with music played and selected by student accompanist Hoang Pham.

Pham is now a music student at Boston University and took the train to see the performance at Carnegie Hall. Pham said that he wanted to see “this amazing opportunity come to fruition."

LRHS Mustangs also got the opportunity to perform solos. Senior Corey Coyner auditioned on Friday and was selected as one of the three soloists for the song "If I Can Help Somebody.”

The singers also performed the song "Give Me your Tired, Your Poor" from a sonnet written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 for Lady Liberty.

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After over 15 hours of rehearsing, world-renowned conductor Anton Armstrong expressed his contentment, stating that LRHS Mustangs were some of the most respectful students he has ever taught.

Sophomore Noemi Szalkai said, "It was difficult to navigate New York City as a group, but we tried to stick together and make sure nobody was left behind. Overall, the experience was amazing, and I wish I could go back, to be honest.”

LRHS Chorus teacher Rebekah Lester elaborated, “This is special to me as I did this very thing when I was 17 with my choir director Joe Wilt, and I know this event helped guide my future. I have completed one of my dreams as a teacher. My life has come full circle as a musician.”