GMHS award winning Die Meistersingers were chosen to peform for the swearing in ceremonies of Governor Beverly Perdue. The group is made up of 39 juniors and seniors, “It was a big honor,” said Senior Sarah Harrington. Chorus Director Meredith Covington said she was really proud of the students for their performance. “They’re very hard-working and they’re very responsible,” she said. “It was thrilling. ”The unexpected invitation gave the group only five days to prepare for the event after winter break. But nerves were far from the Die Meistersingers as they sang the National Anthem in tuxedos and black gowns with pearls.
Senior Julie Dale conducted the Die Meistersingers’ 10 songs, including “My Country Tis of Thee” and the state song, from under a white tent just outside the front door of the Governor’s Mansion. “It’s such an awesome opportunity for our chorus to be put out there like this,” Dale said. Covington chose Dale to direct the chorus because she is consistently a hard worker and she is humble, which brings respect from her peers. “She’s an infinitely strong musician,” Covington said. “She’s a natural.”Dale was on the NC Honors Chorus in 2008, one of two students from Garner who received the invitation. She also went to Governor’s school last summer, a six-week program in Winston-Salem for academically-gifted students to further their education and love of the arts. Her parents, Bob and Amy Dale, are both proud of her accomplishments and look forward to her future. “She’s always been musical,” Amy said.She has been accepted to East Carolina University, UNC Greensboro and UNC Wilmington. Dale, who wants to become a chorus director one day, has music running through her veins. Her grandfather was a choir director for 30 years. She said conducting her peers at the inauguration was an excellent way to gain experience.
The members of the chorus are: Michael Callicutt, Julie Dale, Danesha Dolby, Brittany Fink, Jerian Floyd, Pierre Gilbert, Sarah Harrington, Patricia Hickman, Carmen Hicks, Patrick Holmes, Taylor Jackson, Kimberly Kimbrough, Valerie Lainfiesta, Lauren Langworthy, Kelsey, Light, Stefanie Lister, Jake Mauk, Mary Beth McDowell, Nicole McGhee, Caryn McKinney, Yavonka McLeod, Sarah Moore, Casey Nickalson, Keegan Norris, Mackenzie Norris, Ashley Nowell, Brandy Parabok, Dustin Pickett, Anna Powell, Curtis Reed, Amy Rogers, Matt Sances, Derek Schaap, Rebekah Smith, Alex Snell, Ally Springer, Kimberly Stewart, Serena Watson and Stephanie Wilson.
GMHS Chorus performs for historic inauguration
