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I was with the Choirs for three years, from age 15 to 18. I would describe it as busy but so much fun. My first year, in 2001, we performed at Carnegie Hall, and it was an incredible experience. Emotions were so high. I remember looking at the audience and thinking, “We get to share something amazing with these people.” I was so overwhelmed that I started crying before the performance. Right before we went on stage, I looked at my friends and said, "Let’s pray.” We all got giddy after that moment and went out there and sang our hearts out. I had made some friends by then, but that trip really solidified my lifelong friendships. I still chat with many of them today.
One of the most memorable experiences was our trip to Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. In Prague, we sang World Peace during a Mass. Being Catholic, that was especially meaningful to me. It was such an honor to share music with people from a different culture and country. I also loved guiding the younger kids on that trip.
When I started leading Mass in high school, I was so nervous. But after joining the Choirs and training to perform in front of hundreds of people, my confidence grew. By the time I was in law school, I leaned on what Mrs. Berner always taught us: “Practice makes perfect. You won’t be nervous if you know what to do.” I remember being in Immigration Court during my third year, feeling incredibly anxious. But I practiced and prepared until the nerves disappeared. That philosophy stuck with me, and now, as an attorney, I apply it every day.
The Choirs give kids a strong foundation in being comfortable in front of others and learning social skills. If your child doesn’t have many friends who think or act like them at school, they’ll find like-minded people here.
The experiences are not only character-defining, but also make great talking points for years to come. I still have Carnegie Hall on my résumé, and it sparks interesting conversations to this day.
I recently brought my family to a concert because my cousin’s daughter joined this year, continuing the family tradition. I saw Mrs. Berner there, and I was astounded that she remembered my full maiden name after more than 20 years. Billy, the pianist from my time, also remembered me. I was so touched to realize how much we must have meant to them. Hundreds of kids go through the Choirs, and yet they remember every single one of us.
