Published: May 11, 2008 08:04 pm            

Harrah choirs come on strong; concert planned

A Thursday concert at Harrah Middle School will culminate a year of triumphs for the Harrah High-Junior High and Harrah Middle School choirs.

Twelve Harrah students earned superior ratings at the district solo and ensemble competition in February. Graduating seniors Kayla Burleson and Sami Cravens were among those who went on to rate superior at the April state ensemble competition.

According to vocal music director Rebecca Grimm, Burleson has worked hard since her freshman year to earn a superior rating at state and will be recognized at Thursday’s concert.

“She achieved her ultimate goal, which is to get a one (superior) at state. That will help her at college. That’s something she’s been working for all these four years,” Grimm said.

A triumph for Grimm has been the growth of the music program in the Harrah school district. The Harrah High-Junior High choir has about 75 students.

Publicity is the key, Grimm said. The choirs perform at the Russell Babb Elementary School regularly to attract students’ interest before they are even eligible for the middle school choir. They also perform at the annual Harrah Days festival and hold two large concerts every year.

The Harrah Choir Booster Club also raises funds and was able to provide robes for the members of the Harrah High-Junior High choir. Next year, uniforms will be purchased for the middle school choir, Grimm said.

Thursday’s concert will consist of choral performances but also include the “Mickey Mouse March,” duets and solos.

“It’s more like a variety show than a concert,” choir director Rebecca Grimm said.

A dinner and auction will be 6 p.m. in the middle school cafeteria. Harrah’s Delbert Henderson will be the auctioneer. Dinner will cost $5. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Harrah High-Junior High choir will perform Disney Dazzle, a medley which will include songs from “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Rebeckah McCreary and Taylor Horn’s performance of “Candle on the Water” and Ashlea Mobly’s “Some Day My Prince Will Come” will be just two of the solo and duet performances. The middle school choir will also perform.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Harrah Choir Booster Club.

        

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