This past weekend was filled with hard work, fun and my favorite thing: all of us together making music. We spent Saturday morning putting the polishing touches on our music for Sunday's concert, and the singers finally got to meet Mr. Ballenger, our guest conductor and composer. 

Many people aren't aware of the fact that for kids (especially young singers), it's a totally different experience each time someone new stands on the conductor's podium. The singers have to quickly learn the new conductor's gestures and cues, and it can be intimidating to sing with someone you've just met! Our singers met the challenge, and Mr. Ballenger was absolutely thrilled with their preparation of his music. 

I always love seeing the kids arrive in their dress uniforms, and seeing them standing with such confidence on the stage of Hemmle Recital Hall filled my heart with pride. Scheduling a concert this early in our season represented a leap of faith in our singers (and a bundle of nerves for our teaching staff!) But they sang beautifully! Now we have a performance under our belt, and it has generated a lot of enthusiasm for our upcoming concerts. Thank you, parents, for your warm support and encouragement. 

Now, we are back to square one with all new music, and lots of it! We have two completely different programs to prepare for the first weekend in December, so we REALLY need our singers at ALL rehearsals between now and then. Will you help us make sure the kids are prepared by encouraging them to be on time and ready to sing at every rehearsal between now and then? I'm counting on everyone to pitch in. 

Now, I'm off to order a poinsettia and some pizza for lunch!

What a busy week! Today is our last regular rehearsal before the fall concert at Hemmle Hall on Sunday, and we are gearing up for a power practice! We're putting the groups together to sing a wonderful set of pieces composed by TTU School of Music Director William Ballenger. Mr. Ballenger has been busy with his own new project: he has pledged to run 1000 miles to save the pipe organ in Hemmle Hall. You'll have a chance to meet Mr. Ballenger, and learn about his heroic efforts to save this magnificent instrument. 

Meanwhile, please make sure to keep Saturday morning's FINAL rehearsal on your schedule. Singers in Concert and Apprentice Choirs will work with Mr. Ballenger from 9 - noon at Forrest Heights(Prep Choirs meet from  9 - 10:30.) WE NEED ALL SINGERS AT THE REHEARSAL. We'll do riser placement assignments and make sure that the music is polished and ready to go. 

Finally, please invite your friends and families to our concert on Sunday. It's early in the year, and we're off to a great start . . . come and have a glimpse into the wonderful season to come with the choirs of the West Texas Children's Chorus!

October is a great month, isn't it? The fall has begun to sneak in, one orange or gold leaf at a time. It's cooling off and school is in full swing. Everyone I know is busy, and our schedules are all in high gear . . . it's time for a reality check! Is it really possible to do all the things we would like to do, in the mere 24 hours we have each day? 

I'm not sure how our WTCC families manage it, but we are very grateful that you have found a way to keep singing with us each week a priority. I look forward to each Tuesday, and look ahead to the year of concerts with all of the choirs, and know that it's well worth the time we are all investing in the lives of these talented young people. 

Our organization has really grown, and we're still getting to know our new singers and their families. That's why I'm really looking forward to this Thursday evening, October 7th . . . Ronda and David Langston will be our hosts for a really fun evening, just for parents of WTCC singers. By now, you should have received your e-vite; if you haven't, please contact Zoe Metcalf right away  ([email protected]) for more details. 

We have several big events on the calendar: an upcoming rehearsal from 9 - noon on October 23rd, a concert on October 24th and preparations for our trip to Dallas in December. We'll be signWe REALLY depend on our Parent's Organization to make these events possible for our choirs, and we need all of you to be involved. So please come out and enjoy getting to know one another, and learn about our upcoming performances, travel and fund-raising events. 

See you at the Langstons' on Thursday!