Competition isn’t just all fun and games. Sure, the thrill of competing to win the first prize can boost adrenaline levels, but it also requires loads of precision and practice to get points, score, and impress the judges. For Ledyard Music’s Select Singers and Chamber Choir, they decided to step up to the plate and compete in New York City.

Since the retirement of Mr. Hammond last year, Mrs. Cometa has led the music program to great heights, hitting many milestones, such as having almost full attendance for the Buriak/Candler Memorial concert, and directing great productions of Almost Maine and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Each of her students has grown in the knowledge and love for music, and with POPS right around the corner, the school year is bound to end on a strong, positive note. However, this is no time to sit back and relax, because the awaited Choir Tour is only two weeks away.

For the big field trip of the year, Select and Chamber have the opportunity to travel to Manhattan to compete in a singing competition as well as perform in various tourist locations, such as Ellis Island and St. John the Divine. Throughout the trip, they will also watch a performance on Broadway, and eat at popular joints all around the city. The students are beyond excited as this is an opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities to all of NYC. Junior Isabella Jensen, a first year member of Select, is most excited about eating at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner as it will give her a new experience to put in her high school memory book. “I’m really excited to hear all the different Broadway singers.”

When Ledyard Music arrives in the Big Apple, they jump right into their busy schedule. They first begin with the competition piece, where they will sing three arrangements of music in front of a panel of judges, and get scored accordingly based on their performances. Once the final scores have been released, each choir that competed will go on a dinner cruise provided by the association running the competition, and awards will be announced. While touring, it’s important that each student gives their best and represents Ledyard Music with pride and precision. Choir Tour is a chance for each of the groups to prove the talent they have and show it to others outside of their hometown. Everyone in Ledyard knows the talent of these students, so it’s time to show the places beyond what LHS music can do.

Sophia Keefe, Staff Writer

Senior Sophia “Sophie” Keefe is a staff writer for the 2017-2018 Colonel. She is an avid track runner on top of her involvement in Ledyard music, participating in Carolers and Select Singers. After school, you’ll find her studying for anatomy while simultaneously petting cats and listening to Plain Ketchup (it’s a band).