Members of the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal Singers perform on the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 25, marking a milestone in the choir’s history. Photo by Michael Violago Photography.

From Choir Room to Carnegie Hall

By Shaydi Clary

What’s the old saying: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice.

At Trinity Valley Community College, the answer is getting an update.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? By being a Cardinal.

On May 25, the TVCC Cardinal Singers performed on the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most prestigious venues. The group presented Stabat Mater by Marc-André Bougie and premiere Te Deum, a new work by Terre Johnson.

“This was an incredible opportunity for our students and for our college,” said Dr. Kristin Huggins, Division Chair of Fine Arts and Kinesiology and Director of Choral Music. “For every performer, the dream is to perform on a stage like Carnegie Hall, and we are so blessed to be invited and to bring these pieces to life.”

For many students, that dream didn’t start with Carnegie Hall in mind. It started with something much simpler.

“I wanted more vocal practice, and my dad was in the choir when he went to TVCC,” freshman Audrey Martin said. “So I was like, ‘Oh, might as well keep the family tradition of going to TVCC and being in the choir,’ and it’s been a lot of fun. Plus, getting that extra vocal practice has helped me gain confidence in my vocal abilities. It’s amazing to see the growth and development of the program, plus it’s amazing how so many people can come together and create art.”

For sophomore Claire Capehart, joining the Cardinal Singers began as a way to make college possible. Needing additional scholarship support, Capehart reached out to Dr. Huggins for guidance.

“Literally five minutes after I reached out, she was like, ‘Of course, we would love to have you in Cardinal Singers,’ and offered me a scholarship,” Capehart said. “What I didn’t expect was the opportunities Cardinal Singers would offer me.” What started as a financial decision quickly became something more — new friends, new confidence and, eventually, a trip to New York City. 

While the Carnegie Hall performance is a milestone, students say being part of the Cardinal Singers matters just as much.

“If you told me last year that I would have the opportunity to go to New York for choir and perform at Carnegie Hall, I probably would have laughed in your face,” Martin said. “I would have been shocked like, ‘What are you talking about?’”

“It’s still unreal to me,” said sophomore Ashley Moore. “Just knowing how many doors this opens, that’s an experience that not everyone gets.”

For Moore, Cardinal Singers helped her reconnect with something she thought she had lost.

“I honestly started to lose a passion for it,” Moore said. “But seeing how the program here is structured—and the support and community—it got me back into it. There’s nothing I love more now. I’m always excited to go to choir and be part of the group.”

For freshman Katie Golomon, the plan wasn’t to attend TVCC or join Cardinal Singers. But after auditioning for another college and not being selected, she decided to give TVCC a try.

“I didn’t expect any of this,” Golomon shared. “I wasn’t expecting people from all different backgrounds and ages. It’s amazing because I learn from everyone. The opportunities here feel endless.”

The group brings together students of all experience levels, from trained musicians to those simply looking to try something new.

“I’ve never been in a choir, so Cardinal Singers is my first time joining one,” freshman Kelis Green said. “I’ve always had a passion for singing, so I decided to take that leap. I also thought it would be good experience and help me get out of my shell as a nervous person. Now I go back and watch videos of me performing, and I don’t even recognize myself. I went from singing into my pillow to singing in front of so many people, meeting new people and getting so much experience.”

“I think that’s what helps our group succeed,” Moore added. “We have people of different ages and experience levels, and everyone helps each other.”

The Cardinal Singers include performers of all ages and offers a wide range of performance opportunities. From formal recitals to performing alongside the TVCC Theatre Department in the semester musical to pop-up performances for the Athens Rotary Club and Palestine Rotary Club, the group regularly brings music into the community. They also have surprised students, staff and faculty on campus with pop-up performances featuring songs from the musical Hamilton, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

By performing for rotary clubs, students also get a closer look at how local civic groups operate and a chance to connect with community organizations.

“It was really great to see how organized everything was,” sophomore Alexis Brey said. “They had a clear plan and were on top of every detail. The way they fit us into their schedule was amazing, and everything ran smoothly. We never felt unsure about when we were performing. They had already prepared everyone, so the transition felt seamless. The audience was supportive, and it was a great experience all around. We were thankful to be there, and they were so welcoming to us.”

For Claire Capehart, that sense of community stands out most.

“It’s a great community here,” she said. “I love it so much, and it’s opened so many doors for me.”

When the Cardinal Singers stepped onto the stage at Carnegie Hall, they won’t just represented themselves. They’ll be representing a program, a college and a community that believes in opening doors and making education and opportunities more accessible. The program plans to continue expanding those experiences and has been invited to perform at the Aloha State Choral Festival, Lincoln Center in New York City, and in Scotland and Ireland.

If you would like more information on this program at TVCC click this link: Cardinal Singers.