Scotty McCreery and the rest of the 41 students who participate in the Garner Magnet High School Die Meistersingers, visited the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on Feb. 18-21 as part of the National President's Day Festival.

GMHS Choral Director, Meredith Clayton, said:

“Our experience at the Kennedy Center was life changing,” Clayton said. “Singing in one of the greatest concert halls in our nation is an opportunity I know my students won’t soon forget. They had the incredible chance to work under the direction of Dr. Andre Thomas, director of Choral Activities from Florida State University, and they absolutely loved him. They have been working to master the very difficult repertoire he selected since October. I am so proud of each of the students for their hard work, dedication and passion for the art of choral music.”
Although the group was in rehearsals for six hours a day, they had time for a little sight-seeing as well! The Die Meistersingers took the time to tour the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian museum of American History, as well as many memorials in the area.


Meredith Clayton also recalled to Garner News what it was like to have Scotty McCreery join the group for the experience.

“It was also wonderful to have him be able to join us on our four-day trip,” Clayton said. “We appreciate him making Die Meistersingers a priority in his busy schedule."
Clayton added,

“I think the students will agree, the best part of this trip was the musical experiences that they gained, and performing at the Kennedy Center,” Clayton said. “Although, the dinner cruise is a close second. They have really bonded as a family, and building those relationships with each other is just as important as the music.”