Every year, Carolina Forest High School’s Show Choir goes on a trip, mostly for competition. This year, these talented students got the chance to visit The Big Apple. It was chance to expose students to competitions, workshops, performances, and sometimes a Broadway show. This trip makes the team closer as a family.
On May 1, students had to be at school at 4 a.m. to wait for the bus. The team, with Kraig McBroom and some parents, left campus at 5:30 a.m.
Students got to live a dream of a lifetime visiting Times Square, the Museum of Broadway and Madame Tussauds: Wax Museum. They brought shirts, keychains, and took many pictures.
Senior Quintasia Graham has been in the show choir for four years.
“I enjoyed it a lot. It was definitely a different experience compared to last year’s trip, which was Orlando, FL, but we had a great time! We got to work with very talented performers through a workshop. Although we didn’t have a competition, we went to two Broadway Musicals: Smash and & Juliet,” shares Graham.
These students had the experience to participate in a workshop led by Broadway veteran Michael Watson. Focused on vocal performance and agility, Living the Music Workshop is a class taught by Broadway performers and directors. Whether you’re a student, theater fan, or just visiting New York City, this seminar helps anyone looking to improve their singing skills.
Senior Isaiah Barnes has also been in show choir for four years.
“Working one-on-one with Broadway directors was a game-changer. It wasn’t just ‘good’; it was amazing! The experience gave me real insight into the audition process and solidified what I want to pursue. The workshop ‘gave me a voice,’ a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed and the confidence to chase my dreams,” stated Barnes.
Junior Charlie Hawkies has been in show choir for three years; this was his second trip.
“I’m all about embracing opportunities to learn and grow. The workshop in New York was intense and awesome, and I’d jump at the chance to do it again.” added Hawkies.
Although they didn’t have a competition, the group sang at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The largest cathedral in the United States is undeniably beautiful. Known for its eight seconds of audio reverberation, the cathedral is now two-thirds complete. The towers, the transepts, the Great Crossing and the choir roof remain to be completed. The team, lead by Kraig McBroom, sang a selection of songs including “Great Day,” “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” “For the Beauty of the Earth Hark,” “I Hear the Harps Eternal,” and “Set Me as a Seal.”
Kraig McBroom has been teaching and leading choir for 11 years. He’s been organizing and going on trips yearly.
“The trip was fantastic. The singing was amazing and they had the chance to watch professional performances and interact with the actors. We took them to Times Square for the first time,” shares McBroom.
These brilliant students made many more memories together on this trip that they will cherish forever.
