DCHS Chorus Records On Music Row During Athena Festival
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Haston – The Athena Festival culminated with a magical evening concert in The Parthenon in front of the statue of Athena.
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
The Dade County High School Mixed Chorus recently traveled to Nashville, Tenn., for The Athena Festival. In addition to performing live, they recorded at Ocean Way Nashville and toured key parts of the city’s musical legacy. Soon, an album will be released on Spotify featuring a performance by the DCHS chorus and each of the other invited schools.
The chorus received the invitation to the singer/songwriter festival last spring and spent Feb. 27-March 3 in Music City. The students toured Ryman Auditorium and got to sing in the historic venue. They also toured the Country Music Hall of Fame, toured and performed at the National Museum of African American Music, and performed at Madison Street United Methodist.
The chorus learned from a performance and workshop session with Dr. Timothy Powell (experienced chorus director, composer, Fulbright Scholar, voting member of the GRAMMY Recording Academy) and Dr. Tim Sharp (college professor, nonprofit arts administrator, Belmont University Encore Award recipient, voting member of the GRAMMY Recording Academy).
The trip concluded with an evening concert at The Parthenon with the Nashville Youth Choir, Father Ryan High School, and Nashville School of the Arts. Singing at The Parthenon was Emma Vandagriff’s favorite part of the trip. She remembered, “It felt so magical to the point some of us were in tears afterwards.”
For Drake Blevins, singing at the Ryman was his favorite part of the trip. “It sounded amazing, and we learned some really cool facts about the history. Another memorable moment was when everyone heard how long the sound delay was in The Parthenon. The reactions from everyone were amazing to watch.”
Saylor King added, “It was so cool to hear from actual college professors on how to bring life to our music. I also love applying what we learned to the concert, because the space we were in highlighted the emotion of the songs. Recording at the studio was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! Hearing how much your voice actually makes or breaks the song’s outcome is very inspiring.”
Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Haston – The DCHS Mixed Chorus poses on the steps of the historic Ryman Auditorium stage.
One part of this trip that stands out from some other competition and performance trips was the opportunity to record at Ocean Way Nashville. Each invited school had a two-hour recording session, and the final takes will be compiled and released on Spotify for the world to listen to. The release date hasn’t been announced, but the Sentinel and Gabrielle Haston (DCHS/DMS director of choral activities) will be sure to inform the Dade community once the album is out.
Trent Dunn enjoyed learning about the inner workings of recording studios on both sides of the booth. “This allowed me to see the performing side and also the producing side of things. I learned so much being on both sides of the studio.”
Kaitlynn Kenimer had an extra special opportunity on the trip: She had a separate recording session with studio musicians to record her original piece “Faith in Tomorrow” which she debuted at Dade’s Got Talent last semester.
Kenimer said, “This Nashville trip and the opportunity I was blessed with felt like stepping into the world I’ve always dreamed of, like something straight out of a movie where music isn’t just heard but truly lived. At that moment, I felt at home, at peace. It reminded me why I write music—to connect, to heal, to leave something real behind. Looking back, I can see each step of God’s plan unfolding. The past and my new journey isn’t just by accident; it’s a part of His plan, revealing one of the many purposes He has for me.”
Haston is extremely proud of the work her students put into preparing for The Athena Festival. “Our singers worked so hard to be prepared for this trip despite all the unexpected winter weather days we have had since coming back in January. They learned ten pieces of music since we started on January 8—that’s an incredible amount of musicianship and determination. I am so proud of these singers and how they represent DCHS and Dade County around the country!”
Multiple students noted the tight bonds among the chorus and how this trip fostered those friendships. Zoie Gibson said, “My favorite part was strengthening the bonds between our friendships, but my favorite experience was definitely the recording studio. We got to see and hear all of the work that goes into making some of our favorite artists sound as amazing as they do.”
During this trip, Music City cast its spell over the students. In Zariah Hughes’ words, “Nashville felt like a dream and a place that has been calling me to come back since we’ve been home. I’m so grateful to have had an opportunity with such an incredible group, and shoutout to Mrs. Haston for always pushing us past our limits. I’m so thankful to Dr. Tim Powell and Dr. Tim Sharp for giving us this chance!”
