By Henry Hernandez—

The PHS choir has been busy this year. They just completed their spring concert, which was a big success. “I really enjoyed seeing my friends singing in the choir,” said Elizabeth Tlatelpa, “They have really improved over this year.” The choir has progressed in skill and technique steadily over the years through constant practice and performance. “Practice is the key to perfection,” said Mrs. Gauthier, choir director.

Other successful performances this year were the Annual Holiday Concert on December 20, and the Holiday Performances at City Hall, the Senior Citizens Center and at the Trinity Assembly of God Church. The holiday season is always a busy time for the choir. This year the choir did more performances than in past years because there was such talent and dedication by the student singers.

The choir was also busy during February singing during the Black History Month Celebration. A unique fundraiser this year was the Glee Club Sing-a-grams. Students from the Glee Club took orders and performed live for sweethearts and Valentines. The Glee Club rose over $800, which is a pretty sweet Valentine, fundraiser, indeed.

In May, the PHS choir participated in the Music in the Parks Competition. Choir competitions are stressful for the students. “It is hard to sing in front of people when they are rating you,” said senior, Anthony Gonzalez. He added, “I am glad I took this class because it helped me learn how to use my voice.” During this competition our choir received a rating of EXCELLENT.

The highlight of the entire season for the choir was the performance at Carnegie Hall. This was a three day singing extravaganza of singing and music. It started with ten hours of intense rehearsal. Then the PHS choir was combined with other choirs from around the country. This combined choir sang in Carnegie Hall. Senior Selena Navarro succeeded in getting a solo by auditioning for it. “I can’t believe I got to sing a solo in Carnegie Hall,” she said. “It was amazing,” she added.

Reminiscing about this year’s concerts and activities, senior Kassandra Fernandez said, “If you like to sing and perform then you should join choir.” She said that going on trips and singing with her friends was the best part of joining choir, but the best was singing at Carnegie Hall. Fernandez said, “If you ask any of the choir members they will tell you how awesome it [Carnegie Hall Trip] was.” How does the choir get to go there? It is just like that old joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” It is like Mrs. Gauthier always says, “Practice, practice, practice.”