Horizon High chorus raising funds for department

The Horizon High School chorus is partnering with local artists to raise money for the department through its Rai$e Your Voice concert. 

Rai$e Your Voice serves a two-part mission. The performance acts as an outreach to the local community and feeder programs. The chorus has even invited the fifth- and eighth-grade choir students from feeder schools to attend as special guests. In addition, the concert serves as a fundraiser to generate much-needed funding for the program.

Chorus Director Linda Boot is known for her help and expertise in opening not only Horizon High, but also Water Spring Middle School and Windermere High School. Boot first put the Rai$e Your Voice concert together in 2019 at Windermere High. 

“I love teaching high school choir, and as a veteran teacher, that feeling never wanes,” Boot said. “The Horizon chorus is an exceptional group of students who bonded quickly as an ensemble and who work every day to establish an outstanding program. When we opened last year, we were still wearing masks and dealing with many pandemic issues — especially the supply chain as we had to wait for our equipment and classroom supplies. When we started school, the room was empty — no piano, chairs, risers, equipment. However, we had sheet music and students who wanted to work together — and that they did. They received the invitation to perform in Carnegie Hall based on our straight Superior ratings at every district event last year. Quite impressive for a brand-new school and program.”

PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE

Audience members will hear a variety of styles of music with something for everyone at the Rai$e Your Voice performance. 

Students will partner with well-known local performers to entice the audience with their talents.

This year’s lineup will feature Billy Flanigan, known as “The Happiest Man on Earth” and the longest contracted Walt Disney World performer, as well as Sheila Ward Smith, who performed with Disney for more than 25 years, as emcees. 

The evening also will include Veryl Jones, who will perform a comedy act with audience participation; a world-famous barbershop quartet; and Blake Guyre, a former student, who plays the strolling piano and has his own band. 

“It is amazing having local artists come perform, because not only does it attract more people to raise more money for our amazing department, but it also gives us an amazing experience performing with great and talented people,” Taylor Johanneman, ninth-grade chorus member, said. 

The chorus will use the funds raised to support the department as well as aid the students in their trip to Carnegie Hall in March. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The school has two choirs: an Advanced Treble Choir, which comprises 20 ninth- and 10th-graders, and a Concert Choir, which has 46 members from ninth through 12th grades. The school also just formed its first a cappella group called “Hawkapella.”

The Horizon chorus performs all styles of music. One of the program’s favorite showcases to date was performing in the 2022 Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

“My favorite part about being in the Horizon chorus is the opportunity I’ve been given to do what I love with people who would say the same,” sophomore Mimi Schulte said. “Chorus is my team sport.”