A group of students from the Poconos will be sharing the stage with a singing sensation this weekend. American Idol runner-up David Archuleta will be performing with members of the Stroudsburg High School Chamber Orchestra at the Sherman Theater this Sunday. The 24 member orchestra is busy fine-tuning its performance skills, practicing for the big performance. The young musicians said they're excited.
"I couldn't believe it. I was like, wait, what? You're not kidding? You're serious? He's coming here!," said Senior Cynthia Mathiesen. "I was like, what! It's so cool! I told my mom and she started freaking out too," said Iris Rosario, a senior. He's taking the stage at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg as part of his Christmas Tour. While in town he needed some musical back-up and turned to Stroudsburg High School.
"Stroudsburg is the only string program in Monroe County. I've been saying that for years and years and years. We have a diamond here and a lot of people don't know it. I'm thinking maybe Mr. Archuleta got word of that and why he called us," said Orchestra Director Lisa Rogers. Soon after the call, Rogers received the Christmas music in an e-mail and practice started immediately. "I'm really excited. It's one thing I can check off my list of things to do in life," said Mathiesen.
The Stroudsburg High School Chamber Orchestra will be performing right on stage with David Archuleta on Sunday night. Earlier in the day, orchestra members will be practicing with the American Idol runner-up and that's when a lot of the students hope they'll get their big chance to meet the star.
Mathiesen said if she meets him she'll say hello and tell him it's nice to meet him. "I hope we meet him and get free tickets so my mom can come," said Gigi Elsayed. "This is a great opportunity for the kids and I told them it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. So make the most of it," said Rogers.
The Stroudsburg High School Chamber Orchestra will be performing with David Archuleta at the Sherman Theater in Downtown Stroudsburg on December 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30.00.