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West Albany music student earns spot on High School Honors Choir at Carnegie Hall

Posted on: January 19, 2017

Photo by Democrat-Herald

West Albany High School Press Release:

West Albany High School student Marissa Fieland has been selected for the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. She will perform Soprano 1 in February with the Concert Choir. Participation in one of the five Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest-rated high school performers from across the world.

Earlier this year, Fieland auditioned for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in her application and audition recording. She will join other performers from all 50 United States, Guam, two Canadian provinces, and a number of foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.

According to Morgan Smith, Program Director, “Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.”

Marissa Fieland has studied music for six and a half years. Currently, she studies with Amy Hansen and is under the direction of West Albany music teachers Cate Caffarella for choir and Stuart Welsh for band. Previously she studied under Mrs. Wind and Mr. Nelson.

Marissa is a member of West Albany High School’s A Capella Choir, Rhythmix Choir, and Drumline. She has been a member of the Oregon All-State Choir for four years (2014-2017). She will perform in the All Northwest Choir in February of 2017. She won first place at the Oregon district 11 Solo and Ensemble Festival for Soprano voice in 2015 and 2016; last year she went on to place third in the State Solo Competition.

In response to her selection as a Finalist, Marissa Fieland said, “I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. I’ve worked hard to get here and God has been very good to me.”

Finalists will come together in New York City for five days in February. They will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors, work with other finalists, and get a taste of New York City. Two performances, an Honors Choral Performance and an Honors Instrumental Performance, will take place Sunday, Feb. 5, and are open to the public.

Marissa will hold a fundraising concert to raise money for her trip to New York on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at North Albany Community Church . There is a suggested donation of $5-10.