Community Corner
Hazelwood East High School Choirs Invited to Perform In New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Needs Comunity Support For The Trip
Distinguished Concerts International New York City (DCINY) has invited Hazelwood East High School's choirs and director Robert Swingler to participate in a performance of The Music of Greg Gilpin as part of the DCINY Concert Series in New York City.
The show is scheduled for February 20, 2012, at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium. The choir will join with others under the direction of composer and conductor, Greg Gilpin, a Missouri native.
Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY, said Hazelwood East High School choirs received the invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship the singers demonstrate, and Gilpin's “exceptional recommendation."
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Swingler said he was shocked at receiving the invitation.
“Greg Gilpin is a very well-respected composer in Missouri and throughout the United States," he said in a HSD statement. "It would be one of the most memorable experiences in the students’ lives.”
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Gilpin is a Northwest Missouri State University graduate.
The estimated cost of the trip is $28,000. Participating choirs will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for the concert. They will spend approximately 9-10 hours in rehearsals during the five-day program.
“I haven’t contacted any students yet because I do not want to raise hopes and then have them disappointed,” said Swingler.
Fundraising will be a significant aspect of the possibility to participate in the concert series. Each year, Swingler sells snacks during summer school to raise money for the choir program. The invitation to New York City would require much more support.
“If students and the community come together to make this a reality, it will take a lot of time both during and after school for months to prepare," Swingler said. "Planning and traveling to New York City’s Carnegie Hall will be something totally new and challenging."
Members of the community who are interested in making a contribution can contact Robert Swingler by phone at 314-953-7371 or email at rswinglr@hazelwoodschools.org