Twelve Castleton University students took their passion for singing from the Green Mountain State to the Midwest as they recently attended the American Choral Directors Association National Conference in Minneapolis, MN. In addition to learning from some of the top professionals in the field, four Castleton students were selected to sing as part of the National Collegiate Unity Honor Choir, side by side with other students from across the country as part of the conference.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to sing in a 176-piece choir of experienced college students from 46 different states,” said Castleton student Sam Rodgers. “The diversity and unity felt in the group was incredible. We got a chance to meet people from all over the country studying many different areas, but we all felt the sense of belonging and acceptance.”
Four singers from each state were chosen to partake in the experience, which included three separate rehearsals and two live concerts. Accompanied by Music Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities Sherrill Blodget and Director of Instrumental Music Glenn Giles, the Castleton quartet singers included students Sydney Ferguson, Saige King, Eric Korzun and Sam Rodgers.
“I have had an interest in music for quite some time, but this conference opened up my eyes even more to the beauties of music and what it can do for people,” said Korzun. “This experience was absolutely incredible and life-changing for me, and I will always remember it.”