MHS Choir to Perform in New York City

Meridian High School’s choir will be on its way to New York City this Sunday to perform at Coney Island. Twin States News stopped by one of their last practices before the big performance.

After COVID canceled their New York trip two years ago, MHS choir students are excited to have the opportunity this year.

“It was very devastating.”, stated MHS choir student, Haley Jenkins. “We received a grant at that time, so we were super excited to go and then COVID took a lot of opportunities from us, and we felt robbed.”

“I'm very excited because a lot of children don’t get the opportunity to go out of the state, especially for school. New York is a big city, a big place. You get to see a lot of things that you’ve never seen before and you get to meet new people as well”, stated Tyshun Hopson, MHS choir student.

Through a grant, the choir was awarded more than $40,000 to cover 20 students for the trip, and with the community’s support, now 24 students will be able to attend.

“In the fall of 2019, I reached out to the Lucille and Bruce Lambert Charitable Foundation and just sent them my application and my letter explaining why I really think these kids deserve to go”, explained Alanna Burn, MHS choir director. “They awarded us $42,500 to take 20 students and I am fortunate enough, with the help of others, the Field Hardin Foundation, the Community Foundation, and Mr. Coleman; they have all donated so much that I'm able to take 24 students.”

While in New York, the choir will also see a Broadway show and other city attractions. Burns hopes that this trip will inspire the students to continue to travel the world.

“I would say about 20 out of the 24 have not flown before. So that has been really fun to watch them get excited about and nervous about too at the same time. It's just really awesome to provide them with this opportunity to get out and explore the world. I do this in hopes that they'll continue to travel as they grow up and venture out into the world on their own.”

The choir leaves for New York City this Sunday.