On April 9, Archbishop Carroll’s choir filled the Great Hall at Immaculata University as they participated in a music performance assessment, orchestrated by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). Led by Carroll’s choir director, Miss Suzanne Carpenter, the choir’s performance captivated audiences and earned an “excellent” score as an ensemble.
Junior Kadin Kingston explained why his dedication to choir stems not only from his love of music but also from a desire to enhance his overall musical proficiency.
“Well, mainly I play trumpet, which is my main instrument, but I do choir mainly just to become a better musician overall, because being able to sing helps you with a bunch of different things musically and also just the community,” said Kingston.
Miss Carpenter provided insights into the choir’s journey leading up to the assessment and highlighted the guidance received during the workshop following the performance.
“During the workshop after the performance, the professor from Temple University, Dr. Andaya Hart, was working with the students on how to support breathing while singing,” said Miss Carpenter. “By developing strong breath support, students were able to produce a fuller sound collectively.”
Dr. Hart’s expertise helped refine the choir’s vocal technique, particularly for challenging pieces like “Ominous Soul,” where Latin demands precise pronunciation and tall vowels for a desirable blend and pitch.
Senior Sofia Cunicelli expressed her satisfaction with the choir’s performance and the peak of their hard work.
“I think that our choir did a fantastic job,” said Cunicelli. “All the work we have done in the past few months definitely showed, and helped us earn that score.”
Behind the scenes, Miss Carpenter navigated the challenges of coordinating rehearsals with students not enrolled in the choir class, ensuring that every member of the ensemble had the opportunity to contribute to their collective success.
“I feel very blessed to work with very talented and hardworking students,” said Miss Carpenter. “I am just so proud of how far they’ve come and how much they’ve grown as an ensemble.”
Looking ahead, Carroll’s choir anticipates Kingston’s upcoming performance in “The Little Mermaid,” where he will take on the role of Prince Eric. Additionally, the choir is preparing for its spring concert on May 15, followed by a trip to Hershey on May 17 for another performance and feedback session.
