Do you know the way to Carnegie Hall? The Dragon Choir does.

As laptops closed, textbooks were shelved for the summer, and goodbyes began, MSUM’s Dragon Choir students kept their performance black steamed and ready for one more special occasion: a concert at Carnegie Hall. This iconic venue has been graced by music legends like The Beatles, Judy Garland, and Tchaikovsky. Now, this group of Dragons, under the direction of Dr. Michael Johnson, has added their names to that prestigious list.

MSUM Choirs

The preparation was not a New York minute for the choir. Moorhead’s Dragon Choir filled their schedule this year with rehearsals, concerts, collaborations, and tours across the region. They visited Duluth with the MSUM Brass Ensemble. They were one of three choirs chosen from the state to perform at Orchestra Hall for the Minneapolis portion of Sing Democracy 250, a momentous and nationwide premiere event. And, along with the MSUM Percussion Ensemble, they were selected for performance at the 2026 Minnesota Music Educators Association Convention.

Opportunities like these not only prepare students for something like Carnegie Hall, but are the very reason they are invited in the first place.

Dr. Catherine Sailer held the baton for this spring’s Carnegie performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria, to which the Dragons lent their voices. Sailer is the director of choral activities at the University of Denver and knew of the Dragon Choir from past performances. Coupled with the opportunity to work with her former mentee Dr. Michael Johnson, the Dragon Choir was a perfect fit for the city that never sleeps.

Vocal music education major Ellie Larsen recalled the moment last August when she learned about the Carnegie Hall performance. "I remember feeling like this can't be real," she said. “When we were there, it never really hit me I was at Carnegie Hall. It just went by so fast.”

In May, Johnson brought these 42 performers from a variety of majors to the Big Apple. It was time to show the world that Dragons do it best.

From Broadway shows to world-class museums, “it is really valuable for my students to get these different experiences,” said Johnson.

The choir practiced at a nearby college – not going into the hall until the day of their performance. Despite heightened nerves, their concert at Carnegie Hall was a success.

“The city bustled with life and performing on one of the best stages in the country made me, as a future music teacher, want to help choir programs feel that way,” said choir student Michael Atteberry.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, Carnegie Hall has hosted legendary artists and ensembles for more than a century. Performing in a renowned place of musical excellence was a transformative experience for the Dragon Choir. It’s an honor few musicians experience, and reflects the ensemble’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to choral excellence on the national stage.

“Shock is such a great word for this,” Larsen said. “When you enroll in class, you don’t think you’ll end up performing where famous artists do.” The experience was particularly inspiring for future music educators like Larsen. “Dr. Sailer has directed many times at the hall, and you could tell she has worked hard her whole career.”

Johnson and the Dragon Choir are looking forward to getting back into Weld Hall this fall and making the newly renovated space lively again with the sounds of music, collaboration, and life-changing experiences.