Katie Walther isn’t nervous about singing on one of the most prestigious and revered stages in the world – at least, not yet.

Dr. Jim Shepherd leads members of the ACC choir in a rehearsal.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” says Walther, a drama major who will perform with the ACC choir at Carnegie Hall in April. “I’m sure once we get there and we’re standing on the stage staring at the famous conductor who will be directing us, we’ll get some butterflies!”

Who wouldn’t? ACC’s choir is among a select few community college ensembles chosen to perform at the world-renowned venue this year, following a nationwide community college choir audition held annually. Choir Director and Associate Music Professor Jim Shepherd will take 40 students to New York on April 15, with the performance set for April 19.

“We had over 60 students audition, so it was a competitive process,” says Dr. Shepherd. “I am really thankful we have so much talent at ACC. Many schools struggle to recruit and retain such talented students.”

ACC choir members will perform alongside four other community college ensembles under the direction of maestro Simon Carrington, director of choral music at Yale University and a founding member of the Grammy-winning ensemble The King’s Singers. Carrington will lead the group in the Fauré Requiem, a 19^th century work that requires students to sing in Latin.

“I can honestly say this is one of the most challenging aspects of singing,” says Van Anderson, an ACC music major going to Carnegie. “Singing a piece of music that is in a foreign language requires a deep understanding of the music’s purpose and context.”

Dr. Shepherd poses with some of the Carnegie performers.

Dr. Shepherd says the Fauré Requiem is one is one of the most performed master works in the choral world because of its significance and power.

“Most singers do not get the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall, so that is a big honor in itself,” notes Shepherd. “Plus, a New York City orchestra and soloists will accompany the choir. The opportunity to do a great work like the Fauré Requiem with professional musicians is wonderful.”

Students will have an opportunity to experience New York outside of Carnegie Hall as well, with plans to visit Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, museums, and more.

“I’ve never been to that part of the country, so I’m looking forward to it,” says Joe Kraft, a music major. “I already feel prepared enough to perform.”

The choir began rehearsals at the beginning of the spring semester, and practices will continue in New York with the other participating choirs.

“It’s important for people to see that great things are going on at community colleges,” says Dr. Shepherd. “They need to see a community college on the same plane as the bigger universities.

“Most of all, I’m proud we can bring this type of experience to our students. I hope it will inspire them to want to achieve great things, in music or whatever career they choose.”

Check back here after the performance for photos of the choir at Carnegie!