The Walters State Chamber Choir will be traveling to Ireland in March to perform at notable Dublin venues including the Royal Academy of Irish Music and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Before leaving, the choir will perform selected music prepared for the trip at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Jefferson City. This concert is free, and tickets are not required. Music chosen for the trip includes folk songs from several countries, sacred music, and some classics from Ireland and the United States, including “Danny Boy” and “Shenandoah.” The group has been rehearsing every Friday at Emmanuel Baptist Church to prepare for the trip.
The choir includes eight students from the Morristown Campus Choir and eight students from the Sevier County Campus Choir. Students were chosen through an audition process. Members are Karlee Mills, Kaitlyn Oliver, Kendall Heskett, Phoebe Hubbard and Caroline Whetsel, all of Morristown; Kaydence Miller and Ethan Gates of Rogersville; Dakota Fisher of Greeneville; Jordin Harrell of Sevierville; Mattie Hamilton, Destiny Steele, Eli Dickens, Jenna Geringer and Elijah Kandel, all of Seymour; Anna Witenbarger and Tanner Cos, both of Knoxville.
Traveling with the students are Dr. Elissa Keck-Hodge, head of the college’s Music and Theatre Department, and Laura Weathersby, instructor of music and choir director at the Sevier County Campus. Both will be directing the choir. Dr. Erika Stevens, professor of Spanish and experience international travel course director, will also be with the group to assist with travel and performance arrangements. This is the first international trip in the history of Walters State’s music program.
“We have so many talented singers among our students,” said Hodge. “That made choosing the members of this special choir very difficult. We only had 16 spots this year. We hope to have more in future years.”
While in Ireland, the group will perform at area schools and community centers. Students will also take in historical and cultural sites in and around Dublin. Plans include visits to local pubs and a trip to Blarney Castle. The castle dates to the 15th century and is home to the famous kissing stone.
“This is a great opportunity to give our students a look at the world outside of East Tennessee and the country,” said Hodge. “This is also a chance for us to give the people we meet a taste of American music.”
Hodge said the first step after being chosen was applying for their passports.
“This is something they will take with them after the trip,” said Hodge. “I hope it makes it easier and encourages them to take advantage of travel opportunities in the future.”
Students did have to pay for a portion of their travel, but a majority of the cost was paid by the college.
