The Lawrence Children's Choir performs Monday at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. The choir stopped on its way to Missoula, Mont., where it will compete at the International Choral Festival.
Crammed on two buses leaving Lawrence at 4 in the morning, the children were off to sing.
Songs of the Lawrence Children's Choir would provide a soundtrack to the setting sun Monday at Mount Rushmore. Thousands would listen to one of only four American choirs chosen to be at one of the world's most prestigious choral events.
"The amphitheater was nearly full," Laura Denneler, the choir's executive director, said. "It's just amazing for the kids."
Denneler remained in Lawrence but heard a full report of the event.
The choir, comprised of Lawrence singers in fifth through ninth grades, left Monday for Missoula, Mont., to be part of the International Choral Festival.
The group stopped to perform at an evening lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota - the first stop on its tour toward the festival.
The festival invites choral groups of all ages from around the world, drawing entrants from Taiwan, Australia, India and dozens of other countries.
Denneler said the choir was selected for the performance after submitting recordings to festival coordinators. More than 90 members of the touring choir and staff are making the trip.
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Children's Choir
The festival began in 1987. The Lawrence choir will perform again today at a preview concert in Missoula. Official concert events kick off Thursday.
The singing excursions, financed with grants from local businesses and other fundraising, give the choir a chance to show off its pipes around the country and the world, Denneler said.
Next year, the choir will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Denneler said.
For the choir members, she said, the trips can mean so much more than the chance to sing in front of audiences in other cities. The memories the children gain from the summer trips can stay with them forever.
"That's certainly what we hear from our former members," Denneler said. "They went to L.A., to London. That makes a big impact as well."
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mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
good luck and enjoy the setting.
parsimoniousjayhawker (anonymous) says…
These children are wonderful. I attended one of their concerts at Grace Cathedral in Topeka this year and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I purchased two of their CD's.
Enjoy your time in Montana and cherish the memories and friendships you will encounter.
craigers (anonymous) says…
I used to sing in the choir and it was awesome. The cool event we did was a special on PBS, but it wasn't a world traveling group yet. I am glad it is taking off. Congrats to Ms. Kriehbel. I can't remember how to spell her name, oh well.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
There was this one time, at choir camp.... Just kidding. This is totally awesome and an incredible accomplishment. The businesses that help to fund this trip, the kids that worked so hard, and the parents who supported the fundraisers all deserve a pat on the back and recognition for their success.
josette_87 (anonymous) says…
What memories, being young and innocent and...thinking!!!!!!
Sigmund...just kidding just doesn't pass muster wink wink. Even in the mildest terms, there was ALWAYS, even in our most naive minds, each and every time at some camp or trip.
At least in my life there was..roflmao.Oh, all the work I did for fundraisers, even if I wasn't going. And all the dreams I had for my children, who ended up not going (various extreme reasons, so sad, such loss of childhood)
When I am free (if) before long, will they think me odd if I volunteer for fundraisers for other "good" kids?
Anyone know of a good military camp for 1st graders? Perhaps it's wrong to teach destruction to the destuctive?
Do Buddist's take near 7 yr old's into their fold?
Seriously. I'm asking.
hilary (anonymous) says…
Krehbiel
Those kids are simply wonderful! What a great opportunity, and to have such high expectations for kids so young. They sing so expressively.