Student Voices: Cierra Bird

“We are in New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall.” Words Cierra Bird, now a sophomore, never imagined saying this early in her college career.

“I’m only 18, and it is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Bird said. During her first full day in New York City, a day before their Carnegie Hall debut, she and her fellow Radford University Singers were confident they had memorized and practiced enough to make this performance impeccable. Still, nerves were starting to set in just thinking of the upcoming concert and the history-making weight it carried.

“I am nervous a little bit, but I think I am wellprepared enough that I will be fine. If we can just go out there and sing, I think we’ll be good,” Bird said.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity became even rarer when the composer of one piece the ensemble sang, Andrea Clearfield, coached the singers during a practice session at a nearby event space in a hotel blocks away from Carnegie Hall.

“It was really cool to get to know what she went through when she was composing this piece and what she wanted from it. We were able to make her visions come to life, while we were singing,” Bird said.

Radford University helped prepare her for this moment by instilling courage and helping her embrace new moments.

“It’s just amazing, and I’m very proud to be a Highlander.”