Hicksville Chamber Singers Ship Up to UMass

The Hicksville High School chamber singers traveled to the University of Massachusetts for a unique, two-day musical experience.

On the first day, the students took part in a vocal workshop with the UMass chamber choir under the direction of Dr. Stephan Paparo and Dr. Tony Thornton. They had the opportunity to listen to the advanced collegiate ensemble rehearse prior to singing for and with them, and also asked the music majors questions about their experiences.

On the second day, the high schoolers performed renditions of “Sleep” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” with the acclaimed UMass Marimba ensemble and Marimba band under the direction of Thom Hannum.

“Watching our Hicksville students partake in this once-in-a-lifetime experience was truly inspiring,” band director Chad Wyman said, who led the trip alongside choir director Michelle Emeric, . “They worked incredibly hard preparing for this UMass adventure, and it was everything they thought it would be and more.”

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools