The Rockettes are a classic act at Radio City Music Hall, but they aren’t the only group that performs there. The UPHS “A” Choir is performing there on December 11th. The group will perform in New York City as an opening act to the Rockettes in front of
up to 6,000 people!
Radio City Music Hall is a well-known venue and it’s surprising that a high school choir was able to perform there. How they got to perform there is through a program called “Sounds of Christmas” which allows community groups to open for the Rockettes and perform on such a famous stage. Groups had to apply and send in an audition before being accepted.
This trip was organized by the choir’s director, Dr. Thomas who told the WSJ about the history of the trip, “I had done Radio City a number of times with that group (Adult Choir) and then when they opened it up to the communities and school I was like Hey, Upper Perks pretty good I could probably get them in” The first group from Upper Perk to go on this trip was the Women’s Choir about three years ago, then the whole choir this year.
The set list for the A choir is composed of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells”. While the choir has many more songs they have learned such as “Snowy Day” and “The First Noel”, these two were selected because of how widely known they are.
This trip has been in the works for around a year. Dr. Thomas had to submit an audition for the A Choir to perform at Radio City and be accepted before they could perform.
This big trip has a big schedule in store. The A choir is opening for the Rockettes from 1:45 until 2:00. Once their opening number comes to an end, they get to watch the Rockettes perform from the front row. After the performance, choir members are free to roam around New York City in premade groups for three hours before having to get back To UPHS. They will get back to the school at around 8:30 PM.
After they return from Radio City, they will start preparing for their winter concert. The winter performance for the choir is December 17th where they will be singing the songs from their Radio City setlist and more.
