[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS CHILDREN'S CHOIR

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct pleasure for me to take 
this opportunity to welcome the Southern Illinois Children's Choir to 
Washington, DC. In a time when children are experiencing especially 
tumultuous times in an all too violent world, the magnificent efforts 
which have produced this wonderful choral group are very much 
appreciated.
  The 85 boys and girls from grades 4 through 8 who have auditioned and 
been accepted as part of the choir represent the southern Illinois 
communities of Alto Pass, Anna, Carbondale, Carterville, Cobden, 
DuQuoin, Elkville, Gorham, Harrisburg, Herrin, Jonesboro, Makanda, 
Marion, Murphysboro, and Sparta. I am proud that many of these young 
people are residents of the 19th Congressional District which I 
represent.
  The choir was organized only 5 years ago under the Southern Illinois 
University at Carbondale Youth Music Program. Its purpose is twofold. 
First, and foremost, it has been assembled for the musical enrichment 
of our children, and then for the enhancement of the musical life for 
all southern Illinoisans. In the short span of time of its existence, 
the choir has remarkably amassed a very impressive portfolio of 
performances, including the Southern Illinois University Opera Theatre, 
the Symphony Orchestra and Choral Union, as well as various 
conferences, education programs and concerts throughout the southern 
Illinois area. In addition, the Choir has sung in the State Capitol at 
Springfield, and appeared at the 1992 Illinois Music Educators All-
State Conference. In 1993, the choir toured the southeast, performing 
at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, and in 1994, they 
appeared on the Shepley Music and Art Series at Christ Church Cathedral 
in St Louis where they presented the premiere performance of Gregg 
Smith's ``Four Sandburg Songs.''
  The choir continues to impress audiences everywhere it performs. I am 
especially delighted and pleased that the 1995 tour of Southern 
Illinois Children's Choir includes a one week visit to the Nation's 
Capital June 9 through 16. The children's performances while in 
Washington will include singing a prelude to the morning worship 
service at the National Cathedral, and performances on the west steps 
of the Capitol as well as at the Lincoln Memorial. The tour will also 
include an excursion to historic, Colonial Williamsburg, VA, with a 
performance at the Bruton Parrish Church.
  I heartily commend the choir and all who have contributed to its 
success--parents, directors and assistants. It is indeed gratifying 
that these children and their extraordinary musical talents exemplify 
what is best in the youth of today. They are certainly beacons of light 
for their families, friends and communities.


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