Upper School Chorus Performs in Multicultural Musical Showcase

NSA's Upper School Chorus had the unique opportunity to perform at the most magical place on Earth, all while celebrating cultural unity through songs of inspiration, hope and respect.

In mid-December, chorus members and chorus director Mrs. Renee Perry Mitchell packed up and headed to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, for the "Sing the World" choir performance. It took audience members in Disney's EPCOT theme park on a musical journey around Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. "Sing the World" choir members hailed from schools around the world.

"Performing with students from many different schools was so much fun," said Nia Castellow '24. "We got to meet so many different people who were so different from us. I met people from New York, Maine, Nebraska and many other places! We all made so many friends that we still keep in touch with now, and we made some of the greatest memories with some of the greatest people on this trip."

In addition to student performers, "Sing the World" featured several high-profile names in the arts. Jordan Fisher, who has performed in Netflix movies and on Broadway, served as the celebrity narrator. Greg Triggs was the show writer. His client roster includes Disney, Carnegie Hall, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and others. Dr. Jeffery Redding was the conductor. He's been featured as a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and others on numerous occasions. Performers spent hours workshopping and practicing with Fisher and Broadway actor Michael Lee Brown ahead of the big event on December 12.

"Being able to workshop with Jordan Fisher and Michael Lee Brown was such a wonderful opportunity," said Nia. "They taught us so many great techniques and tricks for acting and singing. Both of them worked very well together and inspired us all to chase our dreams and work for what we want, because it takes hard work to succeed."

"I love getting to participate in workshop environments with industry professionals since they are pursuing the career path I want to also pursue one day," said Hannah Cole '23. "It is interesting to hear their stories and how they got to where they are today."

"I learned how to connect with people who live all around the country and people who come from completely different backgrounds and lifestyles," said Jade Dalton '25. "I made tons of new friends and so many memories."

In addition to performing in "Sing the World," NSA students also had time to explore some of what Disney World had to offer.

"I had so much fun on this trip, especially on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith," said Nia. "It was so fast, and it was so cool to ride at night!"

Chorus members agreed the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"The trip was unforgettable," said Kaylee Perry '23. "It brought me closer to my classmates, and I learned so many different things and created so many new connections." 

"We grew closer as friends and musicians," said Hannah.