Sidney Choir Seeking Cash for Carnegie

School is school. Some classes are worth the anticipation. Others are more of an obligation. Some days are routine and some days unexpected and life-changing.

The Sidney High School Choir has been invited to be part of a concert in New York City under the direction of grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre.

The performance is scheduled for April 28.

The excitement starts with the fact that the school did not audition for the honor. They were sought after a YouTube video was seen of the SHS choir performing Whitacre's “Sleep.”

The choir learned about the honor in a way only music teacher David Mead can. With the dramatic impact of a cliffhanger, students say he introduced the opportunity to the class with the fanfare it deserves. It is unexpected, and unsolicited, a complete surprise for a high school choir in western Nebraska to be selected, according to students in the choir.

“When he said it, the way he explained it, it sounded fake,” said Taylor Stokes.

The invitation isn't fake or a ploy to encourage better performance. It is a random chance of the right person seeing a recorded performance in Sidney who reached out to Whitacre.

“They contacted us,” said Felicity Beyer.

The five-day tour will include rehearsals and time to tour sites like the 911 Memorial and possibly see a Broadway show.

“It's going to be a lot of fun,” said Noah Siler.

The SHS choir will be part of a much bigger ensemble, with multiple choirs performing together. In preparation for the concert, 10 songs by Whitacre were sent to Sidney High School, in addition to what the choir normally practices. Whitacre's music is known to be difficult, according to a press release by the choir, so the students will be committing extra practice time. About 40 students, including former students who performed in the YouTube video, will be taking part in the performance.

In addition to extra time studying the music, students are involved in fundraising. The five-day adventure will cost each student, and the sponsors, about $1,600 each, plus personal spending money. Dairy Queen recently helped the program with a fundraiser night, and will be doing so again today (Oct. 24). A percentage of sales between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be donated to the cost of attending Carnegie Hall in April. The choir is also hosting a spaghetti dinner Monday, Oct. 29 prior to a concert. The dinner will be in the Sidney High School commons area and costs $5 per person, $4 for students and seniors. There will also be a silent auction that night with items donated by local businesses, Denver Bronco tickets and gift baskets. Students are also doing door-to-door sales through a company that offers everything from housewares to chocolates.

Choir students are also offering their talents to any business that may be wanting to hire seasonal entertainment.

“We would love to sing at your event,” said Beyer.

Students also want to thank the local businesses who are supporting their fundraising efforts.