First, we would like to thank each and every one of you who donated to our cause! The gift that you have given us will allow us to experience something very few people have the opportunity to take part in. The excitement we feel as a group is unmatched to anything we have experienced in the past. People are pulling together and working hard on fundraising efforts, on top of their already full work and school schedules. It isn't always easy, but we know that the prize will be well worth it!

As we enter the final day of our Buckeye Funder campaign, we still encourage any donations that can help us reach our goal, and remind everyone that no gift is too small! We know that if the next few months go as quickly as November did we will be loading the bus for New York in what will feel like only days! We will continue to work hard to raise the funds necessary for the trip and hope that you keep us all in your thoughts and prayers and we work hard and eventually take off for the big city.

O-H!

Meet Ryan Montgomery!

     Ryan was a part of the Ohio State University at Lima’s choral program for two years and enjoyed his time with us as a music major through all three choral programs offered on campus.  He played a vital role in our family while he was here, with a constant smiling face and infectious positive attitude. Luckily, we won’t miss him for long!  Ryan will be travelling with us to New York next spring, although he has moved on in his college career.  Ryan is pursuing his Bachelor’s of Music as a Voice Major at the prestigious University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music.  Although he has moved on in his life, he still has a home at Ohio State Lima with his “fam” (as he would say).  His experiences with the choir and its members have allowed him the stepping stone to move on to bigger and better things! He knows that his choir family in Lima will never let him give up on his dreams and will always encourage him to strive for greatness.  He has truly learned that the phrase, “How Firm Thy Friendship”, is never-ending. We love and miss him, and we couldn’t be prouder of all he is accomplishing!

The Ohio State University at Lima University Chorale is extremely honored to have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall this spring. We will be performing Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo under the direction of Dr. William Skoog. Chorale will be performing alongside university choirs from Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, as well as the New England Symphony Orchestra. This opportunity arose from my own personal connection with Dr. Skoog, with whom I sang under and studied choral conducting during my time at Bowling Green State University. As my teacher, Dr. Skoog instilled a passion for choral music in me which I try to pass on to my students each day in rehearsal. I am beyond thrilled that they will have the opportunity to learn from and perform under such an incredible choral conductor; to be accompanied by one of the premier orchestras in our country; and to sing at one of the iconic venues in the world – an opportunity most musicians can only dream of. This experience will allow them to create new friendships, to grow as musicians, and to create a memory which will last a lifetime. Thank you to those who have already graciouly donated. We greatly appreciate your support in making this trip possible! 

Dr. Matthew Young

Director of Choral Activities

The Ohio State University at Lima