Milan choir reports on Carnegie Hall performance; board hears trip highlights

District staff and students described the Milan Special School District choir's recent trip to New York and a performance at Carnegie Hall during the May 19 board meeting.

A staff chaperone who organized the trip thanked the board for its support and provided a photo-backed overview of the itinerary, rehearsals and performances. The presenter said students visited the 9/11 Memorial, saw multiple Broadway shows, met performers at stage doors and performed in Carnegie Hall with a live orchestra.

The presenter said the choir membership included more students than adults and that students "sounded that mature in singing," noting the experience of working with a live orchestra was novel for many students. Students on the trip briefly described their experience; one student said she was moved when she realized the live orchestra sounded like the recordings they had practiced with.

Staff noted logistical details: a long hotel check-in delay on arrival and use of the subway to reach performance sites. The district provided sponsorship shirts listing trip sponsors; the presenter offered a commemorative marquee photo from Carnegie Hall to the board.

The board did not take formal action on the trip report; the presentation was a recognition and informational item on the agenda.