>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

JOY OF CHORAL MUSIC: Since its inception, the choir has been the home for over 250 young singers. Many of these singers have gone on to become some of the Grande Ronde Valley's top young singers at area high schools. (Observer file photo).

Registration and voice placement will take place Monday for the ninth season

The Union County Children's Choir will begin its ninth season of fun and music Monday.

Registration and voice placement will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 123, Loso Hall, Eastern Oregon University campus. Students are asked to arrive at 4.

All interested Union County students in grades 4-6, regardless of skill level, are invited to register and become a part of this outstanding community group, says Director J. Michael Frasier.

"I think it's really fun," says Rebecca Butler, 11, daughter of Karen and Bob Butler. "I really like learning the new songs.

Another third year choir member is Eric Miller, 11, son of Maureen O'Brien.

"What I like best are the tours — going to all the schools," Miller says. "It's just fun, singing."

Founded in 1996 by Elizabeth Dyer as a non-auditioned youth choir, the group provides local youth an opportunity to develop foundation skills in choral music and performance in an atmosphere that is both fun and educational.

Since its inception, the choir has been the home for over 250 young singers. Many of these singers have gone on to become some of the Grande Ronde Valley's top young singers at area high schools.

Good singing technique, musicality and performance values are the hallmarks of the choir.

"These skills have enabled the choir to maintain a high level of quality while instilling in the young singers a love of choral music that many carry with them throughout their school careers," Frasier says.

Frasier as well as accompanist Marilyn Muller, director's assistants Caitlin O'Brien and Lindsay Moody, and the board of directors are excited about the new season. Planned activities include the annual winter concert that is a shared activity with the Grande Ronde Youth Orchestra, a spring tour of county grade schools, a contest performance in Baker City, a CD recording, a Spring cabaret and a possible exchange concert with the Young Voices of Eastern Oregon Children's Choir in Pendleton.

The local choir is a self-sustaining, non-profit 401(c)(3) that relies on tuition, donations and grants for funding. During registration and voice placement, parents will be asked to pay a minimum of one quarter of the $100 yearly tuition. The tuition fee can be made in four payments, and some scholarships are available based on need.

Registration requires an adult's signature, and parents are encouraged to become members of the leadership team that makes up the board of directors. Registration materials will be available at grade school offices.

Rehearsals and registration will be in Room 123 in Loso Hall. Full rehearsals begin on Sept. 20.

The choir's mission statement reads: "The Union County Children's Choir will provide an opportunity for young singers to experience the joys of choral music, to work together to create exciting performances and to sing with high standards of excellence as they develop a skill they can use throughout their lives. We will attempt to instill a sense of discipline, self-esteem and

commitment in the children and their families."

"If that sounds like something a young person in your home would enjoy, he or she might be a part of the next generation of outstanding singers from Union County," Frasier says.

For information or a special time for placement, call Frasier at 963-6963 or at 962-3855.

–Jeff Petersen