Four from RCS selected for prestigious summer choral program

Two RCS juniors will spend several weeks this summer mired in intense study and rehearsals – and they will do happily.

The students - Rachel Albano and Erika Frati - have been selected to attend the prestigious New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) School of Choral Studies July 8 through August 4 at SUNY Fredonia.

Two other RCS juniors have been placed on an alternates list to attend the program. They are Anna Doane and Katie Selkirk.

Run by the New York State Education Department, students are selected through an intense application process that includes an audition.

During the four weeks, the students  work with nationally acclaimed choral teachers and directors, and will take classes in music theory, music history, music drama skills, choreography, etc., said RCS Music Teacher William Baxter.

The students will also attend opera and theater performances, master classes and workshops by guest artists, as well as perform at the Chautauqua Institute and at King Concert Hall at SUNY. They will also receive Regents credits.

 “We have had many RCS students participate in this prestigious program over the years,” Baxter noted, including RCS seniors Amanda White and Gabriella Ballou – who attended last summer.