Seraphic Fire visit

Nina Heffron

Seraphic Fire performs during a special assembly for Carrollton’s Upper School.

Seraphic Fire, a prestigious nationwide choir with a Grammy-nominated album, visited Carrollton for a performance during Sacred Space. “They are very accomplished singers that bring a very dynamic perspective to sacred music,” said Upper School choir director, Mr. Poore.

In addition to their school-wide performance, alto Alex Colaizzi, and soprano Karen Neal gave a workshop to Carrollton’s Sacré Chœur Choir. They hope to inspire a passion for music and spread awareness that choral music is a career. 

“A lot of times when we think of vocal performance, we think of solo singing, which is something that Karen and I do as well, ” Colaizzi said. “To be a musician today, you kind of have to know how to do a bit of everything: different styles, teaching, singing in different scenarios, like a school. I hope that by coming to Carrollton, people can see that choral music is a really cool field to be in.”

During the workshop, choir members benefited from hearing feedback from another point of view.

“It was nice to learn from a different perspective because Mr. Poore picks the music and helps us learn it in a certain way with us, but to have other people give us music and hear us perform it, then give us feedback, was very helpful, ” Victoria Rodriguez ‘26 said. “One of the people that was here mentioned that our voice can control us or we can control our voice, and I think that was very impactful.” 

Allegra de Armas ‘26  along with three other choir members Eva Castaneda ’26, Mariana Soto ’26, and Lylah Rufeh ’26 were selected to participate in Seraphic’s High School Professional Choral Institute, where they were mentored by vocalists of Seraphic Fire.

“It was very eye-opening. I learned a lot about vocal technique and vocal health from professional singers. It was a week-long intensive program, where I gained a deeper understanding of choral vocal technique with the help of professional singers,” de Armas said.

Colaizzi offers her encouraging advice for young vocalists looking to pursue choral music.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to people, and don’t be afraid to audition for things. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It’s scary, but it’s necessary.”

Neal emphasizes the importance of practice and connection with your art.

“Practice can be hard at first, but it becomes your friend for life, a north star. Practice is a beautiful thing to have in one’s life. Whether it is math, drama, or singing, you find that sacred space everyday with yourself and that art is a beautiful thing to start as soon as possible and to have with you as you go through life.”

De Armas and Rodriguez both encourage students to attend a Seraphic Fire concert.

“They have inspired our students to value the gift of music in their life more,” said Mr. Poore.