Nacogdoches High School’s choir will perform next summer alongside some of the most prominent names in the choral music world at London’s Barbican Hall, an iconic venue that seats more than 1,900 people and regularly welcomes internationally acclaimed musicians in both classical and contemporary music.
All the NHS program has to do is get there. And that’s why director David Brewer is kickoff of a donation campaign to help pay for travel, a bill that’s expected to reach $50,000 to cover overseas airfare.
Brewer has targeted a campaign to find 100 donors willing to contribute $500. Everything else on the trip – lodging, for example – will be covered, Brewer said.
“I realize it’s a heavy burden,” said Brewer. “It’s likely a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students.”
The opportunity for the choir program came about after Brewer’s own works made its way in front of a notable director. He reached out to Brewer about the possibility of the trip more than a year ago. This year, Brewer accepted.
“He was appreciative of what we’re doing here,” said Brewer. “It’s the hard work of the kids that has made it possible.”
Some of the celebrated names the NHS choir would join on stage includes Jake Runestad, Voces8 and Rollo Dilworth. Runestad, an American born director and composer, is considered a “super star,” Brewer said. Dilworth is a composer, arranger, conductor and music educator who hails from St. Louis. VOCES8 is a distinguished a cappella octet from England and the number one classical ensemble on most music streaming platforms.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students, and we are hoping to share the story with our community and encourage those who are interested to support the trip,” said Deshmond Johnson, Nacogdoches ISD’s Director of Fine Arts.
The significance of the occasion is understood by students in Brewer’s choir at NHS.
“We’d be performing with a world renowned group,” said senior Peyton Lewin, who has already visited Europe. “What an incredible opportunity.
A’Quira Gregory, also a senior, is excited about the chance to get more recognition for her school’s choir program as well as the chance at an overseas trip.
“Being out of the country would be incredible,” she said. “I’ve barely been out of Texas.”
A’Quira hopes to attend either Stephen F. Austin State University or Texas Southern University to study psychology. Peyton plans to major in vocal performance at Oklahoma City University or Oklahoma State University with a science focus in preparation for med school.
“Our students are deserving of this trip,” said Brewer. “I am excited for them to have this opportunity in their lives and extremely proud of the hard work that they do to make something like this happen.”
For those wishing to provide financial support, please contact David W. Brewer at dbrewer@nacisd.org. Any contribution is greatly appreciated.