Ali Dobbs '20 Sings in Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall

As a sophomore at the Mount, Ali Dobbs is used to working hard...but before February, she only dreamed her hard work would lead her to a performance at Carnegie Hall. After auditioning last fall, she was selected to perform in a choral concert sponsored by the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. Acceptance into this highly competitive choral festival is selective, and Ali was chosen to be a member of the all-girls choir made up of 150 rising musical stars (the program also assembled a 200-person co-ed choir).

Once a student is accepted into the four-day program, she is assigned a part and a director/mentor, who provides one-on-one feedback and group instruction. Ali practiced for eight hours a day with Dr. Lynn Gackle, Professor of Ensembles and Chair of the Music Department at Baylor University in Texas. Ali was amazed "to hear everyone singing together for the first time" at the initial group rehearsal. 

The performance took place on Super Bowl Sunday in New York City. There were 150 students in the all-girls choir, which included several international students. 

Ali said she loved the musical selection she performed, "Goodnight, Dear Heart," arranged by Dan Forrest. The song is an adaptation of Mark Twain's poem that he wrote about losing his daughter at the age of 24.

"The song was so spiritual and really moved me," Ali said.

For Ali, the trip was an experience she won't soon forget, as it allowed her to expand her vocal ability and gave her the opportunity to meet new people and form lasting friendships.