Area schools tuning up for annual choir extravaganzaYoung voices rise as one

Not only the birds will be singing sweetly in Prince George as School District 57 kicks off its 29th season with over 400 elementary and high school vocal musicians taking part in Singfest 2008.
The special event takes place March 5-6 at 7 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Fine Arts resource teacher Gerda Blok Wilson said the non-competitive Singfest provides educators and students with a multitude of learning opportunities and experiences.
“They learn new repertoire, experience performing and singing with other choirs and also get to hear other choirs perform,” she said.
“Not only do the choirs have the chance to perform on stage at Vanier Hall, they also have the opportunity to work with a professional director and music educator in a workshop situation at their school.”
This year students and teachers will work with choral and vocal specialist Kerry Querns, a Fine Arts coordinator for Langley School District.
“Kerry has experience adjudicating festivals throughout B.C. and across Canada. Her enthusiasm and passion have been known to inspire young singers to work towards choral and vocal excellence,” said Blok-Wilson.
Audience members will see her in performance, conducting the mass choir piece, A Song of Peace by Canadian composer Craig Cassil at the end of the evening.
Wednesday evening’s performance features choirs from Ecole College Heights Junior and Senior Choir, Spruceland Music Makes, Nukko Lake Elementary and Heritage Elementary. The Thursday evening performance features Vanway Trebles, Vanway Grade Two class choir, Blackburn Elementary, Quinson Senior Choristers, Prince George Youth Choir II and Tapestry Singers.
Admission is by donation.