The Valley Catholic October 8, 2013 | Seite 18

18 October 8, 2013 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS T he Valley Catholic Presentation High School choir to sing at Carnegie Hall Presentation High School’s select choir, Bella Voce, stated the school year with news that the group was granted admission to two festivals held at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in 2014. In 2012, the group participated in the WorldStrides Heritage Performance Festival in Anaheim, earning 1st place and a Gold Rating, which granted them admission to the 2013 Heritage Elite Festival of Gold in San Francisco and the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall in 2014. During summer, the group received information about another Carnegie Festival hosted by Choirs of America. They submitted an audition recording and were notified in August that they were selected to participate. “The group worked extremely hard last spring,” said vocal director Emilie Bertram. “Their effort has paid off in a way that will provide the experience of a lifetime.” The 24-member group is excited to participate in the Choirs of America National Top Choirs Festival in April. “Singers dream about performing at Carnegie Hall, and having the opportunity to end my senior year with such a great experience is something I really look forward to,” said choir president Daniela Curiel. www.valleycatholiconline.com Bella Voce, Presentation High School’s select choir, will sing at a festival at Carnegie Hall in 2014. (Photo by Emilie Bertram) St. Victor School remembers Sept. 11 attacks Presentation High School Vocal Music Director Emilie Bertram. (Photo by Meg Perotti) The girls will also participate in a master class with professional tenor Andrew Lundsford, participate in a Broadway workshop and see a Broadway musical. They will visit the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Rockefeller Center and the September 11th Memorial. “Many of us haven’t been to New York, so important landmarks will serve as exciting additions to the trip,” Curiel said. “What we are most excited about is the choral event. Big competitions like this allow us to meet amazing people from around the world, work with composers and conductors and grow in our musical talent.” The student council of St. Victor School, San Jose, led the student body in a prayer service on 9/11/13 to commemorate the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania in 2001. Commissioner General Trinity Tan led students in singing the Star Spangled Banner and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance during which the flag was raised by student council members Jacob Liclican, Marcus Ponce and Gabriel Young. Commissioner of Religious Affairs Oliver Tan offered prayers of forgiveness and peace. Mrs. Rendler’s fourth grade class recites Pledge of Allegiance.