Madrigal singers invited to perform at Carnegie Hall

Jessica Garrison

NEWPORT BEACH -- They’re not leavin’ today, but they’ve already

started spreadin’ the news: Ensign Intermediate School’s Madrigal singers

have been invited to be a part of it and perform in New York City’s

Carnegie Hall.

All they have to do is raise $25,000 by March to pay for their

airplane tickets, hotel rooms and food.

“We’ll do it,” said choir director Donna Kelsen, who found out about

the festival in a choir magazine. She took the bold step of entering her

students despite the doubts of festival organizers that an unknown school

could win. But she always believed her Madrigals, who do not usually

perform cabaret tunes, were “A-No. 1.”

“When it’s something this important, it’s just got to be done.”

In September, the students, many of whom juggle advanced classes,

sports, and countless other commitments, sold giant jugs of cookie dough.

On Oct. 16, students and parents will put on a giant garage sale and

carwash at Ensign from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are soliciting donations

for the sale this week.

Parents are also trying to organize a raffle and are asking Fashion

Island store and restaurant owners to contribute prizes. They have also

organized a benefit concert Dec. 8, at which Righteous Brother Bill

Medley will perform.

“We are also open to taking direct financial donations,” said Ensign

parent Irene Dunlap, who plans to go on the trip as a chaperon.

“I am so excited,” said Newport Harbor High School freshman Erin

Blake, one of a handful of freshmen who will be attending because they

were in the Madrigal Choir last year at Ensign.

Blake said she was so inspired by Kelsen’s singing and chorus program

that she is planning on a singing career and is even recording a compact

disc. What better place to start, she thought, than New York?

Every Saturday through Oct. 9, people are welcome to donate material

for the garage sale. Donations can be taken to the garage at the corner

of Irvine Avenue and Beacon Street at Ensign from 8 a.m. to noon.

To donate to the fund, send tax-deductible contributions to the Ensign

Carnegie Hall Fund, Ensign Intermediate School, 2000 Cliff Drive, Newport

Beach 92663. For more information, call 949-515-6910.