Local children’s choirs to perform selection of folk and spirituals in Nov. 13 fall concert

Concert: Goshen College Community School of the Arts Children’s Choirs fall concert
Date and time: Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m.
Location: Sauder Concert Hall, Goshen College Music Center
Cost: $6 adults, $4 seniors/students. GC students free with ID. Tickets available at the door prior to the concert.
Web site: www.gcmusiccenter.org

GOSHEN, Ind. – Two Community School of the Arts children’s choirs will present a fall concert in Sauder Concert Hall in the Goshen College Music Center on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. The choirs will be joined by Goshen’s a cappella men’s ensemble Stabat for several selections.

Shout for Joy, a choir started over 30 years ago for children from fifth through eighth grade, is presently directed by Diane Schrock Hertzler. Shout for Joy will perform a variety of songs for young voices including “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” by C.S. Lang, “Benedictus” from Mass in G by Franz Schubert, “Prayer of the Children” by Kurt Bestor, the spiritual “Little Innocent Lamb” arranged by Ken Berg and “The Happy Wanderer” by Moller and arranged by Ades.

Schrock Hertzler said, “The poignant text and plaintive music of ‘Prayer for the Children’ stirred our hearts to think of children suffering anywhere and anytime, especially the Katrina victims. In a spirit of service, we are sharing this song with our community, hoping that it will help us all connect more soulfully with the youngest Katrina victims, and with all the needs and dreams that humanity shares in common.”

Rejoice! – a choir for children in third and fourth grades that was initiated in the fall of 2004, directed by Dana Lehman – will present “Da Pacem Domine” by Melchior Franck and arranged by Mary Geotze, “Something Told the Wild Geese” by Sherri Porterfield, “Strike the Cymbal” by Franz Schubert and arranged by Austin C. Lovelace, the Israeli folk song “Hashivenu” arranged by Doreen Rao, the traditional spiritual “Somebody’s Knockin’ At Your Door” arranged by Linda Spevacek and the American folk song “Goin’ To Boston” arranged by Shirley W. McRae.

The choirs will combine to perform the Indiana folk song “Old Dan Tucker” arranged by Shirley W. McRae. They will then join the a cappella men’s ensemble Stabat to perform “Morning Star” arranged by John S.C. Kemp and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest” by Steurlein and arranged by Willan.

Tickets for the concert are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and Goshen College students are admitted free with valid ID. Tickets are available at the door prior to the concert.

According to its mission statement, Shout for Joy exists “to provide the opportunity for fifth through eighth graders to make music together, develop vocal skills and meet new friends, all in the context of making a ‘joyful noise to the Lord.” One of two community children’s choirs offered by the Community School of the Arts, Shout for Joy rehearses weekly in the new Goshen College Music Center. Singers represent seven local public schools, two church schools and 10 home schools.

The Goshen College Community School of the Arts provides quality arts education and performance experiences for people of all ages, abilities and economic circumstances. Programs include traditional offerings such as piano lessons and some that are uniquely nontraditional such as hand drumming. A diverse and dedicated staff offers personal attention and encouragement that make learning a positive and enjoyable experience.

Editors: For more information about this release, to arrange an interview or request a photo, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

###

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, “Colleges of Distinction,” “Making a Difference College Guide” and U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit www.goshen.edu/.