During a spectacular evening concert at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, the New Manchester High School FAME Chorus shared the stage with a two-time Grammy-winning jazz singer.
The chorus performed on the Atlanta holiday tour with jazz phenom Samara Joy. In February, Joy became the second jazz performer in Grammy history to win the award for Best New Artist. The 23-year-old also won a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Recording.
The opportunity to perform at the holiday concert arose when Joy’s musical director noticed clips on social media from a FAMEous Chorus Christmas, the New Manchester High School Christmas concert. Impressed by the group’s talent and harmony, the musical director reached out to NMHS Choral Director Antwoin Holman and invited the group to perform. The FAME chorus was the only high school performing group selected to perform with the artist during her national tour.
On December 19, Joy and the FAME chorus filled Atlanta Symphony Hall with music and inspiration. They captivated concertgoers with their impeccable harmonies as they showcased their musical talent. Looking back at the performance, FAME Magnet Director Ashley Cleveland says the evening was a transformative experience for everyone. “To perform on a nationally recognized stage like the Atlanta Symphony Hall, with beloved Grammy award-winning musician Samara Joy, provided our students with a glimpse into the process and product of what it takes to hone your artistry,” she explains. “This auspicious moment for our FAME Chorus students served as a testament to the dedication of our dynamic faculty and the rigor of the FAME program.”
Principal Casey Bethel agrees with the talent level found in the New Manchester High School FAME program. “While New Manchester High’s FAME students are incredibly talented, they also work extremely hard. So we were proud to see them earn this tremendous honor and represent the entire Douglas County community with pride and distinction.”
As the evening concluded, the musical artist went backstage to share high fives and thank the New Manchester High School performers. New Manchester High School Choral Director Antwoin Holman says the students were excited about the performance opportunity. “This was the highlight of our 2023 Fall Semester and a highlight of my professional teaching career,” Holman explained. “Moments like this make our job worth all the hard work and sacrifices that we as music educators make and make us proud to be teachers with the DCSS team and family.”