16-Year-Old Palo Brea Student Set to Dazzle Carnegie Hall with A Cappella Performance

Josh Foster, a 16-year-old junior at Arizona Lutheran Academy and resident of Palo Brea, is preparing for a significant milestone in his musical journey later this May.

As a bass singer in the Phoenix high school’s A Cappella Choir, he will join around 30 fellow choir members on a trip to New York City. Their performance is set to take place at the illustrious Carnegie Hall.

“It’s a very prestigious opportunity,” Foster remarked, adding that they will be staying in a comfortable hotel near the venue.

Foster views this experience as a positive precursor to his senior year at ALA. Choir conductor Joshua Severeid expressed enthusiasm over the choir’s chance to perform, crediting ALA alumnus Brennan Michaels for the opportunity. Michaels will be conducting a concert at Carnegie Hall in 2026 and recommended the choir for this event.

“His recommendation allowed me to select a concert in the MidAmerica Productions season and bring the choir along,” Severeid said.

Fundraising efforts are currently underway as the choir is still in the planning stages of the trip, slated for May 29 to June 2, with their performance scheduled for June 1.

“This is Josh’s first year in A Cappella,” Severeid stated. “He successfully navigated the audition process, showcasing his solid talents. His creativity and deep connection to music make him a joy to work with, and it’s a blessing to praise God together daily.”

Foster has embraced the friendships and relationships he has built within the choir, aiming to maintain his musical skills after graduation. He is considering local college options in Arizona and hopes to join a band in Maricopa.

In addition to their trip to New York, the choir is scheduled to perform at various area Lutheran churches and is preparing for a Christmas concert.

“ALA A Cappella will be one of about 80 groups attending this once-in-a-lifetime event,” expressed Foster’s proud mother, Lisa Young.