Kentwood Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall in prestigious collaboration on Monday, Mar. 24

The Kentwood High School Choir is preparing for the performance of a lifetime as 23 choir members travel to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall on Monday Mar. 24, 2025.

The students will join Northeastern University’s choral ensemble to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria at one of the most iconic music venues in the world.

The Kentwood Choir was hand-selected based on a standout audition tape and strong reputation, making them the only high school choir invited to perform at the prestigious event.

“This is an incredible honor for our students and a testament to their dedication, skill, and artistry,” said Choral Director Daisy Li-Emans, who has led the Kentwood Choir for 18 years.

A Community Effort to Elevate Young Voices

The choir’s journey to Carnegie Hall is the result of years of hard work, musical excellence, and strong community support. In preparation, students performed Gloria alongside the Kentwood Chamber Orchestra during their mid-winter concert.

“I was excited for our chamber orchestra to collaborate with our choir students and do this baroque classical piece together,” Li-Emans said.

Under her direction, the Kentwood Choir has flourished, offering students opportunities beyond the classroom through ensembles like jazz choir and The Lilacs, a soprano and alto group that competes regionally.

“We are diverse in talent but united in voices,” Li-Emans said, emphasizing that her goal is to foster both musical and personal growth among students.

The Power of Music and Community

Kentwood’s choir program thrives thanks to support from the school, families, and local community. The choir booster club raises funds throughout the year, making once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like this trip possible for students.

“Studying music takes patience, teamwork, dedication, respect, and grace,” said Li-Emans. “Being a performer means you show what your progress is, even if it’s not necessarily perfect yet.”

Kentwood’s participation in the Carnegie Hall concert is not just a performance—it’s a reflection of the Kent School District’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing students with opportunities to excel in the arts.

“This trip is more than just about music—it’s about showing our students what’s possible when passion meets dedication,” said Li-Emans.

As the Kentwood Choir prepares to take the stage in New York, they carry with them the spirit of their school, their city, and the broader Kent School District community.

Congratulations to the Kentwood Choir and Choral Director Daisy Li-Emans on this remarkable accomplishment—their dedication and artistry inspire us all!

Photos

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About the Kent School District 

The Kent School District serves over 70 square miles of south King County including the cities of Kent, Covington, and portions of Auburn, Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Renton, and SeaTac. It is one of the most diverse school districts in the state and country with over 135 languages spoken by its students. Kent School District is highly regarded for its excellent teaching corps, steadily improving academic achievement, commitment to all students, strong financial management, innovative classroom technology, and coordinated school safety.  

More info here: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us

Photos courtesy Kent School District.