Saint John High School Choir - Inspiring More Than Just a Love of Music

Trish Gallagher knows what she likes best about being the director of Saint John High School's choir.

It's the look of pure joy on the faces of her 60 students as they sing their hearts out - and the knowledge that for some the choir is a life-altering experience.

"I have had some kids who have admittedly said, 'I never would have stayed in school if I didn't have choir or the musical'," Gallagher says. "It was mostly guys who were on the brink of going in the wrong direction and then I might have put a guitar in their hands, and they found out how talented they were."

That's never been more evident than right now as the choir prepares to perform on one of the world's greatest stages. Later this month the choir will be the only Canadian entry at the 9th Annual New York Choral Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Gallagher's students have spent hours practising their songs and organizing fundraising activities - everything from washing dogs to delivering singing telegrams - to raise the $75,000 needed for the trip.

"They are learning incredible leadership and teamwork skills - how to talk to people, how to be respectful, how to work hard," Gallagher says. "This trip has given the students a connection to the community, built their confidence and even given them some job skills."

During their five-day stay in New York City, the students will perform with choirs from Congo, Bermuda, the Czech Republic and New Jersey. They'll also attend workshops with world-class choir directors, see a Broadway play, visit the Statue of Liberty and attend a gospel church service in Harlem.

"It will be a really great experience. We get to meet lots of people from around the world," says Grade 11 student Elise Sanderson. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

The students need to raise about $10,000 before they leave on March 20. Learn more about Saint John High School and its choir here. 

- Written by freelance journalist Kathy Kaufield for saintjohn225.com.

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