​ASU University Choir Raising Funds for Trip to Perform at Carnegie Hall

By Hazel Scott/ASU

Alabama State University’s Choir is getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall with Top Choirs of America --  a dream for many vocalists and musicians.

In order to get there, students have been hosting fundraisers to help cover flight and other expenses. ASU's director of Choral Activities, Dr. Kristofer Sanchack, estimates that the choir will need to raise at least $150,000 to make the weeklong trip possible.

To help them reach their goal, ASU is hosting a fundraiser, “Mardi Gras Party With a Purpose,” this Friday, February 17, at The Nest at the ASU Stadium from 7 p.m. to midnight.  The first 100 guests will receive buffet tickets.

“This glittering purple, green, and gold party is the perfect way to honor the extravagant traditions of Mardi Gras – a celebration of life and fun – while also raising money for the University Choir,” said Audrey Parks,  ASU’s director of Development.

For more information about the Mardi  Gras event, call 334-229-5620.

 A SPECIAL INVITATION

Sanchack received an invitation from the venerable institution asking the University's choir to perform under his direction during the guest conducting engagement series in May. Located in midtown Manhattan in New York City, Carnegie Hall has featured stellar performances by artists representing the spectrum of musical genres in its 130-year history: from Tchaikovsky to Dvořák and George Gershwin to Billy Holiday and the Beatles.

"This is, more importantly, an accomplishment and an honor for Alabama State University, the College of Visual and Performing Arts and our University Choir  members…. The Carnegie Hall performance is great for our school's name; it will help us attract, recruit and enroll more students and enhance our programs' already good reputation,"  Sanchack stated in a news release.

You can help get the University Choir to Carnegie Hall by donating at www.alasu.edu/giving. Once there, designate your donation to Carnegie Initiative.