L-W West Student Selected to Perform on Grand Ole Opry Stage

Lincoln-Way West student Rachel Singh was selected to perform with the mixed choir in the All-National Honor Ensembles on the Grand Ole Opry House stage in Nashville later this month.

Singh was one of four Illinois students chosen for the mixed choir. In total, nearly 700 students from across the nation will perform in the All-National Honor Ensembles Concert which will include a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed choir and jazz ensemble. The concert will take place during the annual conference of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

“I was so surprised when I got the news that I was selected,” Singh said. “I am just really looking forward to meeting new people and singing on the Grand Ole Opry Stage where music legends have performed.”

According to NAfME, students selected to join the performance are the best of the best elite high school musicians. After earning All State as a junior, Singh auditioned for the All-National Honor Ensembles.

“I am so proud of Rachel for earning this special opportunity,” said Tom Venutolo, Lincoln-Way West Choral Director. “She is an extremely hard worker and very dedicated to her music. I know this will be a performance she will remember for a lifetime.”

“I can’t wait to perform with such a large choir of more than 600 people,” Singh said. “The sound will be huge – especially in an acoustic venue like the Opry Stage that is designed to amplify the sound.”

Singh was provided a selection of music to practice on her own and will spend several days rehearsing with the entire group before the concert. The concert is being led by some of the nation’s most prominent conductors.

After high school, Singh said Creighton University is her top college choice. While she does not plan to pursue a career in music, Singh said she may add music on as a double major.

“Singing in an opera has always been on my bucket list and there is an Opera House near Creighton that auditions college students and pays those selected to perform,” Singh said. “It is actually possible; it is all coming together and I am so excited.”