Out of the eight choir students from Rhode Island chosen to perform in the National Association for Music Education’s 2021 All-National Honor Ensembles virtual event this January, half are students at Pilgrim High School.

Jacqueline Soares, the Choral Director for Pilgrim said that the four students selected are Brianna Callahan, Kingston DaLomba, Gavin Gillooly, and Rowen Klyberg.

“The All-National Honor Ensembles performers represent collaboration and creativity in its highest musical form,” Soares said. “The All-National Honor Ensembles consist of a concert band, symphony orchestra, mixed choir, and jazz ensemble. Students were chosen through an audition process. Eligible students have qualified for their state-level honor ensemble program and competed against top students for a spot in these national honor ensembles.”

Soares said that Klyberg is a junior and an alto who also sings soprano, has been singing in the school choirs for her entire school career.

“She received the ‘Vocal Excellency Award in eighth grade,’ which encouraged Rowen to reach for more musical opportunities. In high school, she joined the Pilgrim Chorus and Chorale,” Soares said. “As opportunities presented themselves, she took advantage of All-State Chorus each year and the RI-ACDA Virtual Jazz Honor Choir in 2020. We are so proud to have Rowen represent the Pilgrim Choral Program at the National Level.”

Junior and tenor Gavin Gillooly has been singing formally since first grade in the Rhode Island Children’s Chorus, according to Soares. She said that Gillooly has participated in the school choral programs since elementary school – in middle and high school, also participating in the advanced ensembles.

“Gavin has auditioned and gotten into All-State each year since fifth grade. He is a natural leader and a true asset to the Pilgrim Choral Department,” Soares said.

Kingston DaLomba, a high school senior and a tenor, began formally singing in fourth grade with the Rhode Island Children’s Chorus (RICC). He also sings baritone and is a member of the Pilgrim High School Chorus and Chorale.

“DaLomba is a rehearsal assistant (class vocalist) to his class, requiring him on days to warm up his peers and run/conduct music. His leadership in the tenor section has mentored many up-and-coming talents,” Soares said.

Callahan, is a senior and a member of the Chorus, Chorale, and Jazz Band.

She is also a rehearsal assistant (class vocalist) to her chorus class, requiring her on days to warm up her peers and run/conduct music.

“Brianna has been a trained musician from a very young age, not only being a dynamic vocalist but also a pianist and trumpet player,” Soares said.

“She has participated in: the Rhode Island All-State Choirs since 2017, Junior Providence Singers (2018), the RI-ACDA Virtual Jazz Honor Choir (2020), and also participated in the All-National Honor Choir (All-National Mixed Choir) last year (2020). Brianna has been a featured soloist in concerts, musical theatre shows, as well as school-wide events. Music is not just a hobby for Ms. Callahan as she is a cantor at St. Kevin’s and St. Rose and Clements Parishes. This will be her second year representing Rhode Island on a National Level, as she was the only vocalist from Rhode Island last year. Brianna certainly makes us Pilgrim Patriots quite proud.”

Soares said the selected students will be rehearsing a challenging repertoire in preparation for performing under the direction of six of the most prominent conductors in the United States

Meet the 2021 Conductors. All Conductors have received top honors in their field and will spend several days rehearsing with students before the concert.

The virtual event will take place from Jan. 22 to 24.