“How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” the old joke asks.
“Practice. Practice. Practice,” is the answer – and for Switzerland County High School senior Jennifer Johnson, a lot of practice has given her a unique opportunity.
She will be performing at the famed New York City venue this February as part of the American High School Honors Performance Series, which recognizes the best high school singers from around the country. She will be performing in the alto section of the choir.
“We will be performing in several spots around New York, and then on the 10th we will be performing in Carnegie Hall at 8 p.m..” Jennifer Johnson said. “We also get to be on ‘The Morning Show’, and will be attending a Broadway play.”
Jennifer Johnson said that she gets an invitation every year to audition for the American Honors Choir because she is a member of the Indiana All State Honors Choir.
“I waited until my senior year to audition,” Jennifer Johnson said. “At first I held off auditioning this year, but then I got a letter inviting me to do a late audition, so I did and I got accepted.”
Jennifer Johnson said that she doesn’t know if any other students from Indiana are making the trip; but she does know that no one else from this area is a part of the choir – and it is believed that she’s the first Switzerland County student ever to earn a spot on the prestigious choir.
In New York City she will be learning from Dr. Eph Ehly.
A research article published in the ‘American Choral Directors Journal’ named Eph Ehly “one of the most sought-after choral conductors/clinicians”. He has conducted over 80 All-State Choirs, and over 600 Festival Ensembles. As a conductor, author, lecturer and clinician he has appeared in 48 states, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, several countries throughout Europe and presented on more than 100 college and university campuses.
Dr. Ehly retired from the Conservatory Of Music, University Of Missouri-Kansas City after 27 years of service. Dr. Ehly served an Interim Professorship at the University of Oklahoma in 2006-07. More than 90 Doctorate and 100 Masters Degree students have graduated under his supervision. From 1969-1972 he was Director of Choral Activities at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Prior to that he taught in public schools in Western Nebraska.
Jennifer Johnson is the daughter of Donnie and Bridget Johnson of Red Hog Pike.