The Hoosick Falls High School chorus, along with high school choirs from across New York, will perform with Tim Janis and his ensemble in a new special called “Celebrate America,” created by Janis to spotlight our nation’s youth and pull communities together in a celebration of music that uplifts and inspires.
“Celebrate America,” which airs on Saturday, March 20, at 5 pm, was taped at WMHT Public Television in early October 2009. Buses rolled in from across the state, pulling together 500 students from New York high school music programs.
Arriving well prepared and very professional, each choir was brought into the station to record their performance for the broadcast.
The Hoosick Falls High School students did an exceptional job singing “Wild Mountain Thyme.” Student Peter Donahue said, “So glad that I did this. It was so cool to see the studio and facilities. I hope that people watching will feel love for their country.” Student Meaghan DiMaggio said, “I think that it was a big deal to do this show. It was so great to be a part of this. I do hope that people watching us perform will feel a lot of pride.” Student Kara Gardner said, “It was so exciting to be here. I hope people watching us will feel love for our country.”
Not only does “Celebrate America” give our youth a life changing opportunity, but it also teaches children the importance of contributing to community through the arts as it is also a fund raising event during Public Television’s annual pledge drives.
Tim Janis, well known for his “Music with a Mission,” has worked on many philanthropic projects with artists such as Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Andre Previn and The New York Philharmonic. He has also produced fund raising programs for PBS with George Clooney and James Earl Jones.
“WMHT Public Television really put a lot of effort into creating this special. It takes a lot of behind the scenes effort to bring this great opportunity for students together. I believe the fabric of our nation is the strength found in our local communities. We need to stay connected and committed with a spirit of serving one another to the best of our abilities,” Janis said.