Local News

West Fork Choir earns spotlight at Carnegie Hall

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Members of the West Fork High School choir took the stage at Carnegie Hall on March 14th, performing in a MidAmerica Productions concert in the famed Stern Auditorium.

Director Brennan Laugen tells RadioOnTheGo News the invitation stemmed from his connection to Emilie Bertram, who taught Laugen during his time at Waldorf University, and later invited select schools to participate.

“Every year she hosts an honor choir kind of event. Lots of schools are invited to go and work on pieces that are kind of above what we can pull off at our little schools. So we were invited to that the last several years and through that, (it) kind of showed that, we’re highly capable and professional in the way that we handle ourselves in those settings. And so when she was given the opportunity to make invitations, she invited lots of her colleagues, lots of schools, lots of students of hers that are now teaching as myself. And we were the school that was able to kind of answer the call and represent her there.”

The choir joined more than 100 singers and a live orchestra, performing masterworks including “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” by Adolphus Hailstork. In the days leading up to the performance at Carnegie Hall, students took part in hours of combined rehearsals with other invited ensembles, working under multiple guest conductors to prepare the pieces. A final dress rehearsal on stage—alongside a full orchestra—gave students their first taste of the full performance experience before stepping in front of a packed audience.

Laugen says with that buildup, paired with time spent exploring New York City, made the trip both demanding and unforgettable.

“The kids have been just on cloud nine ever since, you know, this is something that I’m really proud of these guys for taking the risk and jumping in to do something this awesome. The trip was amazing. Couldn’t have asked for it to have gone any better. I don’t think we had a moment during the week that anyone was bored. So, you know, filled our time well and had a great time, great experience doing something many people will never get the opportunity to. So just very, very grateful for this opportunity.”

Along with performing, students explored New York City, making the trip both educational and memorable. Laugen credited community fundraising and local support for helping make the experience possible.

Full interview below