Central High’s new singing sensations

Taking center stage at Central High School is a talented group of 24 students singing and captivating audiences with the sweet sounds of gospel. United in their love for music, they are stepping into the spotlight to spread a joyous message to uplift, inspire and touch all people.

For this dynamic choir, their name, “Transcending Praise,” is not just how they identify themselves — it is a mission. Under the guidance of two of Central’s musical theater concentration teachers, Amy Neuner and Patrick Tirino, the group is fulfilling this mission, and they will perform with Broadway Inspirational Voices at a Dec. 6 concert at Central Presbysterian Church in Manhattan.

“I believe that this is one of the best things we ever done,” Neuner said. “I want to get the word out there.”

Comprised of students from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, they strive to be “messengers of music who devote their gifts to bridge gaps and tear down barriers in order to inspire all people through their love and beauty of gospel.”

Several of the students came to Neuner and Tirino to talk about staring the group last spring, as many of them had prior experience singing in church. After meeting with Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio, auditions were held for 65 kids before the final decision was made to have eight sopranos, altos and tenors each. For one of their first activities, the group went to Manhattan to sit in on a rehearsal of the Broadway Inspirational Voices — an experience that garnered an invitation to show off their pipes singing “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood for the group.

“Our students impressed them so much that the director of the Broadway group invited them to perform at the group’s concert in December,” Tirino said. “Our students not only impressed with their talents but with their character as well. This is something to truly celebrate and lift up as a symbol of Central’s potential.”

To prepare for their big concert debut, the Broadway group will work on pieces with the choir. During practices, they are working on techniques like vocal blending and expression, and members are also learning about confidence, respect, character and citizenship

“I love gospel music — singing is a passion of mine,” said senior Stephanie Courtney, the choir’s president. “Most of the songs are familiar to me…I think we all need a little bit of gospel in our lives to endure through things.”

The choir meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays before and after school. They are preparing for several performances, including singing at Central’s American Education Week open house on Nov. 18. In the meantime, many are happy singing their hearts out.

“You can get in touch with your religious side,” said junior Kevin Cruz. “This is a great way to express yourself with the songs we sing.”

Meet the Gospel Choir

The group members are Chelsea Williams, Racheal St. Fleur, Joelle Thompson, Judea Hartley, Jaida Wilkins, Djenane Murray, Alexis Muir, Jennifer Kandel, Angelica Webster, Rose Lynne Basa, Pamela Refuse, Stephanie Courtney, Chelsea Joven, Gem Bady, Heather LaBarbara, Danice Jones, Jaishaun Brown, Douglas Ynacay, Shy’Kim Powell, Vincent Okafor, Ariel Bourne, Devon Blackwood, Kevin Cruz and Melijah Robinson.