Guest blog by Terra Kennedy
Sydney Siler, Harper Haynes and Kennedy Livernois are three outstanding local students from Maumelle Charter School who have been selected to participate in The Honors Performance Series Choir.
Their hard work and dedication were just the beginning of this life-changing experience.
The High School Honors Performance Series was established to showcase some of the most talented student performers in high school today. Through an individual nomination and selection process, accomplished students are brought together to study, experience and participate in music on a grand scale – with a final performance on the stages of some of the world’s most recognized and revered performance institution venues.
The girls will be working with world-class conductors Greg Gilpin, Dr. Jeffrey Redding and Linn Gackle. Sydney will be attending for six days in Sydney, Australia in July 2018, and Harper and Kennedy will be attending for five days in New York City in February 2018.
The girls are honored to be able to embark on this journey and have tirelessly fundraised for their trips. Duchess Orange Rolls have been created, baked, packaged and sold, and the girls have spent hours babysitting and tutoring in order to make this dream come true.
Click here to help the girls on their journey to the Big Apple and the Down Under.
Notes from the Song Birds
IA: What are you looking forward to most about this performance?
Harper Haynes: Being able to sing with people from so many different places. Living here, I have only ever known such a small piece of the world, and I am excited to be able to venture past that with this trip.
IA: Why do you think music is a universal language?
HH: The thing about music is that it is a part of every single culture, everywhere in the world. Every part of history, every great civilization, every prominent city has had music. It doesn’t matter whether you speak the language or know the value of a piece, anybody can enjoy a song. It brought people and is still bringing people together.
IA: What does being selected for the HPS mean to you?
Sydney Siler: To be selected for the Honors Performance Series is such an honor. I am elated to be able to perform with some of the most talented young performers from around the world. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from an internationally known conductor, Mr. Greg Gilpin.
IA: What does music mean to you?
SS: Music, to me, is a means of expression. Music can represent many different emotions and moods. Music speaks out when words cannot.
IA: What do you enjoy most about choir?
Kennedy Livernois: I enjoy getting to improve my voice and singing complex music.
IA: What does music mean to you?
KL: Music has always been a huge part of my life. It has brought me closer to my friends and family, and it completes me as a person.
Photography by Maddie Sims. Left to right: Harper Haynes, Sydney Siler and Kennedy Livernois
