Challenger Middle schooler accepted to prestigious performance program

Ethan Mohring accepted into the Honors Performance Series; will perform at Carnegie Hall

A Cape Coral middle school student has earned the opportunity of a lifetime and will perform at one of the most prestigious venues in the world this summer.

Ethan Mohring, a 12-year-old with a talented voice, was selected from a vast pool of applicants from far and wide and recently accepted into the Honors Performance Series. The series was established with the goal of distinguishing talented student musicians in a once-in-a-lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Since then, the Honors Performance Series and parent company, WorldStrides, have showcased thousands of dedicated young performers on renowned stages across the world.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity and to work with my peers from across the globe and world-renowned conductors," Ethan said.

Ethan, a Challenger Middle School student, was introduced to the program by his music teacher, Jasmine Batista. Ethan was then nominated by Batista and, after putting together an audition video, compiling his "resume," and crossing their fingers about this limited opportunity, the good news arrived.

"Even being nominated was crazy for me," Ethan said. "When I realized that I was accepted into the program, I was so excited. I was unsure if I'd get in just because (of the tight selection process)."

Ethan, along with a handful of selected middle school performers, will come together this June in the Big Apple for several days of rehearsals with esteemed conductors leading up to their performance at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/ Perelman Stage. In addition to performance preparation, networking with peers and experiencing the sights and performance arts of New York City are also integral parts of the student's experience.

Ethan said he's had a passion for singing and performing since he was 7, and even took musical theater lessons at Cape Coral's Cultural Park Theater. He's performed at CPT for many years and has also participated in shows for Melody Lane Performing Arts and Wolf Creek Collective. Other than being selected for the Honors Performance Series, Ethan was recently named to the all-county honor choir. He was recognized as the District 6 winner for his Jr. Thespian One act play "Oh, What a Tangled Web." Also, in Junior Thespian District 6 and state competitions, Ethan received "superior ratings" in solo musical for "Waving through a Window."

Ethan said his mother, Lori Shiner, has played an essential role in his development.

"My mom, she was the one who helped me get where I am," he said. "She's been vocally training me."

Shiner, despite not having a singing background, helped her son shape his craft using vocal lessons and teachings online.

"I got him as far as I could teach him, and then he starting doing lessons with a coach here," Shiner said. "It's the most amazing thing as a mother to see my son progress the way he has. He just absorbs it all and doesn't take any of it for granted. He loves it."

Melody Lane Theater Director Dana Alvarez, who experienced Ethan's talent in their productions of "Mary Poppins JR.," "Peter Pan JR." and "Matilda JR." said, "Ethan is the ever-professional performer. He is always on, always in character, and strives to grow with each and every performance. He is a joy to watch on stage and work with behind the scenes."

On Ethan's acceptance letter from the Honors Performance Series, a comment from the selection board read: "You sang with conviction and musicality, which I very much appreciate. Good job! Keep singing!"

Ethan, who sings tenor, said one of the things he is most looking forward to is seeing a Broadway show live and in color -- one of the experiences offered to students.

"For my birthday, even before I knew about my acceptance, I wanted to go see a Broadway show," Ethan said, noting his favorite show is "Dear Evan Hansen."

He hopes to one day share the stage with those he'll have to opportunity to see.

"I want to be on Broadway," he said with conviction.

While the opportunity for Ethan is a massive one, it comes with expenses. The family will need to fundraise to cover the cost of tuition for his trip, totaling just over $3,000. With Shiner being on permanent disability, fundraising is needed to help Ethan to reach his dreams.

There is currently a GoFundMe to help Ethan get to New York City this summer. Those interested in donating can do so by visiting https://gofund.me/791730c9.

--Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj