Local children’s choirs to perform sacred and secular music in Nov. 19 fall concert

Concert: Goshen College Community School of the Arts Children’s Choirs fall concert
Date and time: Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, 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 (CSA) children’s choirs will present a fall concert in Sauder Concert Hall in the Goshen College Music Center on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m.

Rejoice! – a choir for children in third through fifth grades directed by Rosemary Rupp, and Shout for Joy! – a choir for children in grades six through eight directed by Diane Schrock Hertzler, will perform a combination of sacred and secular works for young voices before combining to perform “Prints of Peace” by Rollo Dillworth.

The choirs will also be joined by special guests, the Evergreen Singers from Greencroft Retirement Community in Goshen, directed by Darrel Hostetler. Evergreen Singers will perform several selections on their own and will join the CSA choirs for a joint performance of a traditional South African song, and works by Jakob Handl and Luigi Cherubini.

Both children’s choirs offer the opportunity to make music together, develop vocal skills and meet new friends, all in the context of making a “joyful noise to the Lord.”

Schrock Hertzler, director, has given leadership to Shout for Joy Children’s Choir for the past eight years. Schrock Hertzler received degrees in music education from Bluffton College and Indiana University South Bend. She currently teaches music part time at Ox Bow Elementary (Concord Schools) and has previously taught music in most grade levels from elementary through college. She is active as a church and community musician, and teaches privately in her home. She values the dedication to musical artistry that she observes in musicians of all ages, from pre-schoolers through senior citizens.

Rupp has more than 25 years experience teaching elementary school music, and currently teaches at West Goshen and Prairie View schools. She earned a master’s degree in education from Indiana University South Bend and a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College. She is also active as a church musician, leading children’s choirs for many years. She began her association with Community School of the Arts in 2006 as director of the Rejoice! Children’s Choir.

In their 22nd season, the Evergreen Singers have chosen music which “Inspires to Faith and Praise.” The music ranges from Haydn, Handel and Telemann through gospel hymns and spirituals. The group gathers weekly from late March through the middle of December. They come for personal enjoyment and growth, fellowship and the chance to praise God and share the beauty and message of music with others. The group sings sacred, Christmas and secular music in many settings including churches, senior centers, healthcare facilities, clubs, chapel services and other community events. Normally, nearly two-thirds of the singers live at Greencroft with others hailing from various parts of Elkhart County. The group has grown through the years and currently includes 54 members.

Darrel Hostetler has worked in many and varied jobs, but has always been involved in music. He taught music in Christian schools for 15 years (Iowa Mennonite School and Bethany Christian Schools), was an administrator for 13 years (Walnut Hill Day Care, Mennonite Disabilities, Thokoza Church Centre in Swaziland), taught Bible in Christian schools, served in pastoral and missionary roles and as a certified nursing assistant, was minister of music for 43 years (Kalona Mennonite, Belle Plaine Methodist and North Goshen churches) and drove a cab. He studied music at Goshen College and the University of Iowa, and Bible at Goshen Seminary and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He has just resigned his church position, but continues with the Evergreen Singers, the Michiana Relief Sale Men’s Chorus and the Benton Church Messiah Chorus.

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.

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.

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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.