Now, the hard work begins.

The Escambia County High School Choir recently sent its first payment for 12 of its members to participate in the 2017 Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City next April.

The choir was selected among many qualified applicants to participate in the festival by sending an audition tape.

ECHS Choir Conductor Conrad Weber said each student will have to raise approximately $1,800 for the treat, including the two chaperones.

“We’ll be raising money for students’ fees and the two chaperones,” Weber said.

In the next couple of weeks, the choir will be launching some fundraising efforts, along with online options, Weber said.

Weber said fundraising ideas include a combination of things.

“It will include things we’ve talked about like a fundraising dinner and concert,” he said. “There will be small ongoing things for students to do.”

Weber said the choir will be requesting donations from people and businesses.

The next payment due from the choir is in January.

“We have a few months to get started,” he said. “Another payment is in March. We have a couple installments we have to reach.”

Those who would like to donate to the choir, they can make checks out to ECHS and ear mark them for the Choir New York Trip. Checks can be sent to the school’s front office, or contact Weber to arrange delivery.

In addition, a Facebook page has been set up for the choir. Search for Escambia County HS Choir in the social media website’s search bar.

“The community support already has been very strong and encouraging,” Weber said. “If the fundraising doesn’t work out, we can’t pass along the cost to our students. In order for the trip to be successful, the community will have to get behind it.”

Weber said this is a trip that isn’t an every-year opportunity, adding that it’s one that takes place every four or five years.

“It’s going to be something,” he said. “If people have any fundraising ideas, they are welcome to contact me.”

To contact Weber, call the school at 251-368-9181 or on his cell at 251-538-0827.