The Holy Cross Choral Program is pleased to recognize Henry Herbert, a junior, who has been accepted into
the All-National Honor Mixed Choir 2020, produced by the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). Earning acceptance into this All-National Mixed Choir is a difficult feat, and this is Henry’s second year to achieve acceptance. To be chosen for this group, Henry completed a very competitive audition process which required him to make a video recording of him singing a challenging piece from the 1600’s. His recording was scored by a panel of judges on pitch and rhythmic accuracy, attention to dynamic contrast, tone quality, and musicianship.
the All-National Honor Mixed Choir 2020, produced by the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). Earning acceptance into this All-National Mixed Choir is a difficult feat, and this is Henry’s second year to achieve acceptance. To be chosen for this group, Henry completed a very competitive audition process which required him to make a video recording of him singing a challenging piece from the 1600’s. His recording was scored by a panel of judges on pitch and rhythmic accuracy, attention to dynamic contrast, tone quality, and musicianship.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 All-National Honor Mixed Choir will be a virtual experience. As part of this group, Henry will attend virtual rehearsals in which he and the other students chosen for this group will receive instruction from a guest conductor, learning five pieces of music. These rehearsals will take place from Thursday, January 7 through Saturday, January 9, 2021. Then, Henry will record himself performing the repertoire for this ensemble. He will upload his recordings, and a multi-track video will be created in which the students’ videos are combined.
In addition, Henry participated in the Classical Singer Virtual Vocal Competition and the Donald Wood Vocal Competition for high school students this fall. He made video recordings of four pieces in three different languages for these competitions. Henry was awarded Second Place and $500 in the Donald Wood Vocal Competition. As part of the Classical Singer Competition, Henry received comments from faculty members at prestigious universities. Juilliard Voice teacher and accomplished American Soprano, Amy Burton, told Henry that he has “Lots of potential” and finds “the easiness of singing,” mentioning that she sends “loads of encouragement” to continue his career in classical vocal music. Soprano Dana Zenobi, said that he gives a “very professional presentation...a moving performance…with genuine commitment to the text” and ”excellent phrasing and musicality.” Henry is an incredibly diligent student and gifted musician; we are proud to highlight his achievements.