Voices of inspiration in Valley Stream
Central's gospel choir sees early success
There is a musical movement at Central High School that is leaving nearly everyone in awe. The halls are buzzing with talk of Transcending Praise, the school’s dynamic gospel choir.
Its powerful performances are captivating audiences. You can find rave reviews, and plenty of online You Tube videos of its shows. They sing with purpose, honoring and praising God.
Sitting in the school’s chorus room, the members explained their passion, which lives inside of each student. “All of us are religious, but more so, people are devoted,” said Kevin Cruz, a tenor and junior.
The group’s passion is intensified by a familial bond. “We really are a huge family,” said senior Djenane Murray, a soprano. “We all have different personalities and cliques in school, but come together.”
Their unity may be what makes their voices sound even greater, as well as sets them apart from other choirs. They are dedicated to moving forward together, and have accomplished much since starting last November, directed by two musical theater concentration teachers, Amy Neuner and Patrick Tirino. The singers have performed in several prestigious concerts, and won the $2,000 grand prize at the Pathmark gospel competition in February at the Apollo.
The talented group also sang at the district’s American Education Week last year, Central’s Black History month celebration in February, and their own “Set the Atmosphere” concert, in which they also performed poetry, just last week at Central. There was a winter concert with Broadway Inspirational Voices. The group also won the Overall Best Choir award and first place at the Six Flags Great Adventure “Music in the Parks” festival in New Jersey on May 27.
A pivotal performance for a choir member’s father’s funeral showed their growth, Cruz recounted. “My favorite performance is [that] because it’s when the group came together and formed into TP (Transcending Praise) the family, instead of the group. I felt that performance more than anything this year.”
Shy’ Kim Powell, a tenor and senior, said his favorite performance was their “Set the Atmosphere” show. “It showed all the hard work we did last year and our classmates, parents, and teachers talk about it to this day,” he said.
