On May 26, one of Bellefonte’s own will be performing at Carnegie Hall. She has worked at Bellefonte for thirteen years as a Reading Specialist. Students and teachers appreciate her work every day, and next month so will everyone in Carnegie Hall.

Growing up, Mrs. Sarah Rodgers sang at school and her church. When she reached high school and college, she joined smaller select choirs as well as larger groups. As of now, she is singing at Grace Lutheran Church in State College where she also directs the handbell choir. Annually, she sings in a ecumenical choir in Centre Country. To Mrs. Rodgers, singing is more than just a hobby.

“It’s one thing to look at a work of art and appreciate its beauty or to listen to a recording of a musical performance, but it’s an exhilarating experience when you get to bring the music to life,” Mrs. Rodgers said.

At Mrs. Rodgers’ big Carnegie performance, she will be in the choir singing “Requiem” by Michael John Trotta. She has worked with Dr. Trotta when her ecumenial choir sang a piece by him and he came in to rehearse with them. Now, going into this performance Dr. Trotta has invited three groups he has worked with previously to sing.

“Requiem is a prayer for those who have gone before us, for those that are left behind, and a prayer that all of us may find peace when facing the unknown,” Dr. Trotta said. They will sing two other songs by Dr. Trotta and two pieces by other composers.

At her day job Mrs. Rodgers helps students become stronger and more confident readers. She also helps co-teach English 10 with English teacher Mrs. Sarah Bryan.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is helping students find a book that they really connect with,” Mrs. Rodgers said.

Additionally, some of her best memories have been co-advising Raider Revolution, performing in the Variety Show, participating in fun games and challenges at pep rallies, and chaperoning events.

One of her closest co-workers is English teacher Mrs. Anne Maddox, whom she has worked with for five years, but they have known each other for nine as Mrs. Maddox’s son used to take swim lessons with Mrs. Rodgers at the YMCA.

“She loves music, and that love of music is evident when she performs. Mrs. Rodgers will work hard to prepare, and she will be joyful in her performance,” Mrs. Maddox said. 

She thinks that Mrs. Rodgers “enthusiasm and hard work” will carry her far.

With the show coming up in less than a month, Mrs. Rodgers is excited to fulfill this “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“Every musician dreams of performing at Carnegie Hall; I’m in awe that I will actually realize this dream,” Mrs. Rodgers said.

Bellefonte can’t wait to see her amaze Carnegie Hall on May 26.