West Branch's Young and Alive Shines at Radio City Music Hall

New York City — December 8, 2025
West Branch High School’s well-known show choir, Young & Alive, took center stage last Monday afternoon on one of the world’s most iconic stages: Radio City Music Hall. The group delivered a high-energy pre-show performance just moments before the 1 p.m. curtain of the Rockettes’ famed Christmas Spectacular, marking a milestone appearance for the Ohio ensemble. 

The opportunity placed the students at the heart of New York City’s holiday season — a setting steeped in history. Radio City Music Hall, which opened in 1932, has long been celebrated as the nation’s premiere showcase for music, dance, and live entertainment. It is also home to the legendary Rockettes, a precision dance troupe formed in 1925 and known for their famously synchronized kick lines, timeless holiday routines, and nearly century-long record of dazzling audiences.

Young & Alive’s performance featured a selection of holiday favorites created specifically for the event. Choir director, Mrs. Krista Clay, described the moment as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” for students, most of whom were stepping onto a professional stage of this caliber for the first time. The group sang a set of a cappella songs by composer/arranger Derric Johnson. Their songs were enjoyed by the audience in attendance and many community members that traveled with them to NYC. Students and Mrs. Clay received many compliments from audience members to Radio City staff and even three Rockettes who were able to watch the performance from the stage wings. 

In addition to their performance, the students experienced a whirlwind introduction to New York City. Over the course of 23 hours, they explored the city dressed in its winter finery — from the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to festive storefronts along Fifth Avenue. Several students said the immersive trip allowed them not only to perform, but to learn about the city’s culture, history, and artistic legacy.

The quick but impactful visit ended with the group returning home inspired and energized. As one student put it, “We came here to perform, but we left with memories we’ll carry forever.”

Young & Alive’s appearance at Radio City Music Hall adds a shining new chapter to West Branch’s tradition of arts excellence — and offers a moment the students will long remember.