Behind the Music — PC Choir Shines on Carnegie Hall Stage Under Direction of Kipper Ackerman

When Kipper Ackerman stepped onto the podium at Carnegie Hall to conduct the Presbyterian College Choir, members of the Laurens County Chorale, and a powerful combined chorus in John Rutter’s Gloria and Te Deum, she knew the moment would leave a lasting mark—not just on her, but on every student and community member who shared the stage. The performance featured the New England Symphonic Ensemble and brought together singers from across the country, including the Arizona Lutheran Academy A Cappella Choir, Brookdale Concordia Chorale, Palmetto Voices Spiritual Ensemble, and the Virtual Voices Chorale – all uniting for a single extraordinary performance.

“It was life-changing,” said Ackerman. “Few people are ever given this kind of opportunity, and I don’t take that lightly. It was a tremendous blessing.”

“Walking out on the stage, seeing the beauty of the hall nearly filled with audience members, including my daughter and brother, heightened the excitement I felt after rehearsal that morning! It was truly exhilarating singing Rutter’s beautiful music with such a fabulous orchestra. The rousing applause in that historic hall brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have joined my Alma mater in this amazing event!”
— Amy Link, PC Alumni ‘89 and member of the Laurens County Chorale

A Door Opened, A Choir Transformed

Before joining Presbyterian College in August 2024 as Director of Choral Activities and Enrollment Liaison for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Ackerman had already been invited by MidAmerica Productions—a renowned performance tour company she has collaborated with since 2000—to conduct at Carnegie Hall. Her longtime colleague, Dr. Sonja Sepulveda of Sumter, SC, had recommended her as the team looked to add another female conductor to its season. Ackerman accepted the invitation in February 2024.

“When I came to PC, I knew I wanted to bring the students into this experience,” she said.

At the time, the Presbyterian College Choir had just 12 members. By May 2025, the ensemble had grown to 26 members. With enthusiastic support from the college, generous donors, and a growing sense of momentum, the choir made its way to Manhattan for the performance.

Traveling to New York were 20 dedicated PC students: Riley Deadwyler, Lilliana Weathers, Habana Rubio, Kendis Green, Hinata Horikawa, Ash Rogers, Alex Funderburk, Emily Green, Brianna Horgan, Ja’Nya Austin, Angel Wells, Artie Piotrowski, Lyle Jones, Nathan Johnson, Shawn Konle, CJ Davis, Benji Siqueiros, Rylianna Hancheck, Carsyn Hydrick, and Alex Williams.

They were joined by members of the Laurens County Chorale and proud PC Choir alumni, including Bob Link (’77) and Amy Link (’89), Leeann Clark (’97)—who now lives in New Jersey and participated fully in rehearsals and the performance—Nancy Avery, and Anna Barton. Clark, the Links, and Ackerman all previously sang under the direction of former PC Choir Director Dr. Charles Gaines.

Support, Growth, and a Defining Moment

Thanks to the support of PC Provost Dr. Erin McAdams, President Dr. Anita Gustafson, and donors, the students were able to participate with only a small personal contribution. Many had never traveled or performed as a choir before.

“The students who came home from this trip are not the same ones who signed up for it,” Ackerman said. “They’re forever changed—and hungry to perform again.”

As one student, CJ Davis, reflected:
“As we sang, the message of the music truly came alive for me—it wasn’t just a concert, but a moment of deep inspiration. Being part of such a dedicated and positive team was an honor I’ll never forget.”

Adding to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Ackerman was having both of her parents join her for the trip and take the stage to perform alongside her. Her father, Hank Edens, is a lifelong vocalist and pianist, and her mother, Sandi Edens, holds a place in history as one of the first women to march in the Clemson Tiger Marching Band. Their presence made the moment not only professionally significant—but personally unforgettable.

A Musical Bond Across Generations

Rehearsals began in January 2025. Students learned quickly with practice tracks and fast-paced direction, strengthened by the participation of the Laurens County Chorale in joint rehearsals.

Opening the opportunity to alumni and community members added both depth and meaning to the trip.
“To end my years at PC like this—it was truly something to NEVER forget,” said senior Shawn Konle. “And gosh, the culmination of all that work and THE ENERGY! I loved every moment… except the early mornings!”

The Carnegie Hall Experience

During the dress rehearsal, the students were given a moment to pause and soak in the grandeur of the legendary hall. Ackerman stood backstage watching as they looked around in awe.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “But then it was time to focus.”

After a four-hour break—spent exploring Manhattan in full performance attire—the group returned to Carnegie Hall for the Sunday afternoon concert. The combined choir closed the three-part event, stepping on stage just before 3:00 PM to a full house.

The lights came up, the house was full, and as the orchestra tuned, Ackerman waited behind the doors, emotionally preparing to lead them and praying silently that she would be able to give her students what they needed to succeed.

“It was 20 minutes of having my arms in the air—and it was the most amazing experience, being one with them and hearing the music they created.”

For the students, the onstage experience was surreal. Artie Piotrowski shared:
“Being in the luxury of Carnegie Hall where so many legends have played, and where history was shaped, was an indescribable moment. Representing PC and the music program on that stage was a remarkable feeling I will never forget… but it’s only the beginning.”

Unexpected Joy and Lifelong Memories

The experience was also filled with lighthearted moments, including a post-performance dinner cruise that turned into a spontaneous dance party.

“To dance with Mrs. Ackerman and Dr. Sepulveda after they had just conducted us on the Carnegie stage—that was both fun and amazing,” said Artie.

Ja’Nya Austin had a more practical takeaway:
“Although I made a note to myself to use the stairmaster more often in the gym because those stairs were no joke. And in heels and a dress at that!”

Another highlight was a mini concert Friday morning at the One World Observatory, where the students performed 5–6 a cappella pieces on the 100th floor of the World Trade Center site to a crowd of global tourists.

To view an excerpt of the performance click on the Youtube video below.

A Future in Harmony

Ackerman says the PC Choir program is already planning a Spring Break 2026 tour, building on the momentum of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

She’s also deeply grateful for the generosity of donors, alumni, and families who helped make it happen.

“This could not have happened without you,” she said. “You didn’t just fund a trip—you launched a new era for this choir.”

The MidAmerica Productions team and Carnegie Hall staff also praised the PC students for their professionalism, preparation, and poise.

For Ackerman herself, it was a humbling moment as an artist and educator:
“When doors open, you walk through them. I still have so much to learn, but I gained new friends and mentors through this experience who will help me grow.”

Click on the images below (provided by Ackerman) to get a glimpse of their experience.