Warren Hills Select Choir traveled to the Big Apple to perform at the Empire State Building in mid-April, where they sang on the 80^th floor of the “Dare to Dream” exhibit.

The choir sang pieces from their spring concert as well as other songs they have sung in the past.  These pieces were: “Rest Not,” “Prsí Prsí,” “What a Wonderful World/I Love You,” “Moon River,” (sung by rock and pop choir), “O Whistle and I’ll Come to Ye,” and “New York, New York”.

After the performance, the group also went to the 86^th floor observation deck of Empire State for some time to take in the city. The rest of the day included eating at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, touring Rockefeller Center, and seeing the Broadway show, Come From Away.

Reaction to the day’s events were unanimously positive.

“Singing at the Empire State Building was great! It’s a place with a lot of history and significance,” said senior Kieran Bonsignore. “It was almost like the music capital of New York.”

Senior Mya Griffin agreed.

“The whole experience to me was triumphant,” she said.  “I have never been to the Empire State Building and to go to the top after we sang just felt like we accomplished something big.  It was beautiful.”

Next up was lunch at Ellen’s Stardust Diner.  Ellen’s is retro-themed restaurant that is home of the singing wait-staff.  Many aspiring Broadway performers began their careers working omit there.

Sophomore Paige Butler said she thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant.

“Ellen’s Stardust Diner was really amazing,” she said. “The people working there were so talented and it would be a cool place to work someday.”

Junior Emily Reed said she particularly enjoyed Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

“During the day, we went on a tour and saw Saint Patrick’s Cathedral,” she said.  “Everything in and out was pure art, just gorgeous, it made the tour.”

Junior Xander Reyes said he enjoyed the few hours of free time in Rockefeller Center.  where students shopped, ate dinner, and took a million pictures.

“We had some free time in Rockefeller center before we saw the show and it was really cool,” he said.  “I had so much fun hanging out with my friends and seeing that part of New York.”

The Broadway show Come from Away, is based on a true story, the tragedy of 9/11, and how people all over the world reacted.  The show’s setting is in Newfoundland and featured different characters playing various parts throughout the show.

“The show really touched my heart because it was about 9/11.  I could see what it was like for people from different perspectives,” said junior Kallie Levitt.

Choir Director Lauren Voight also shared her thoughts on the New York trip.

“The trip was an experience beyond words.  The performance was memorable and captivated the crowd,” she said. “The Broadway show was a great way to experience the most professional level of performance that musical theatre has to offer.  And most importantly, we spent time with the people we enjoy being with and who we consider family.”