“The team work and trust really does extend outside of music and make for fun beautiful moments.”

Abby Wood spent five formative years at Charlotte Choir School, joining in 8th grade and singing through the end of high school. Now a college student at USC in Los Angeles, Abby carries CCS with her not just as a musical foundation, but as a way of moving through the world.

During her time at CCS, Abby sang one year in Tour Choir and four years in MasterSingers. She remembers her audition clearly, especially the nerves.

“I remember auditioning with Ms. Lenti and being nervous because I’m not a fan of singing by myself,” she says. “Ms. Lenti was very kind and made me feel safe.”

Starting in 8th grade came with challenges, especially the rigor of music theory required before MasterSingers auditions. Abby is quick to acknowledge the support she received. “I’m grateful Ms. Lenti took a chance on me and supported me through learning music theory.”

That trust became a theme throughout her time at Charlotte Choir School.

One of Abby’s most vivid memories came on tour in England, an experience she describes as transformative. Singing in the Chapter House left a lasting impression. The choir hadn’t rehearsed that day, but when they asked if they could sing, months of preparation carried them through.

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“It was truly magical because when we sang it was one voice, one choir,” Abby recalls. Serving as the Cathedral Choir in Wells for a week made the experience even more meaningful. “To make music in such a beautiful historic place and to feel like we weren’t just tourists taking something from the place but also sharing something new was epic.”

That sense of shared responsibility and trust extended well beyond performances. Abby remembers a spontaneous moment on tour her senior year, when MasterSingers were asked to supervise younger choristers before a concert. What followed was a choir-themed game that only worked because of teamwork and mutual care.

“It was such an impromptu fun experience that only worked because when one MasterSinger forgot or needed something another was right there to help them,” she says. “The team work and trust really does extend outside of music and make for fun beautiful moments.”

Charlotte Choir School also helped Abby grow in confidence. Showing up week after week to tackle challenging repertoire made a difference. “To show up every week and do really hard music… is really empowering,” she says. Over time, that confidence allowed her to take risks she once avoided, including singing in a quartet at MasterSingers retreat. “By my senior year I’d built confidence and felt safe around my fellow choristers to make mistakes and take risks.”

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The lessons Abby learned at CCS still shape her life today. Musically, she gained sight-singing skills, music theory knowledge, and an understanding of how to sing with intention. Beyond music, Charlotte Choir School reinforced responsibility, organization, and teamwork, especially while on tour.

Since graduating, music has remained a constant. Abby continues to sing in choirs at USC as her schedule allows and had the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall. She is also a member of St John’s Cathedral Choir near campus, where she continues singing Anglican music rooted in her time at Charlotte Choir School. “Even though I’m not a music major it’s been fun to continue singing, working a different part of my brain and forming community.”

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Though she’s now across the country, Abby stays connected with fellow alumni and returns for concerts when she can. When she reflects on what she hopes current choristers take away from their time at CCS, her message is heartfelt and practical.

“I hope that current choristers enjoy their time at Charlotte Choir School,” she says. “It can be a lot of work, but it’s work well worth it and to be enjoyed.”

Looking back, Abby sums up her experience simply: “I’m very grateful to have been a part of this program.”

And we’re grateful too. Abby’s story is a beautiful reminder of what happens when young voices are trusted, challenged, and lifted together.