The Chattanooga Girls Choir

Friday, May 23, 2008
Day 2: Rehearsals and Square Dance

The girls had a nice hot breakfast at the Embassy Suites this morning--if they got up in time! Otherwise it was a quick box of cereal before rehearsal began at 9:00 a.m.

The morning rehearsal was begun by the director of the festival, Selina Midkiff. Mrs. Midkiff is also the founder and artistic director of the host choir of this event, the Appalachian Children's Chorus. She worked with the choirs on the traditional pieces they would be singing, and then Dr. Rollo Dilworth took over to help the choir rehearse his "Dreams Trilogy."

After rehearsal the chaperones took the girls to the Town Center Mall located just across the street. First stop was the food court, where the girls ate the lunch of their choice. There was then still time for almost an hour of shopping (in chaperoned groups), plus a chance use up a free cookie coupon at Great American Cookie.

By 2:00 the choirs were back in the rehearsal hall again, working on the Dream Trilogy in more detail, and then running through the entire program for Sunday.

After the last rehearsal, the choirs gathered in another large room for a Welcome Dinner. Special entertainment was provided during and after the dinner. There was an 8-year-old boy who won a storytelling competition as well as a dulcimer player, a young fiddler and a teenage banjo picker. The favorite of many was the performance by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Male Chorus. The chorus was enthusiastic, dynamic, and inspirational, and many in the audience stood and clapped along.

The favorite part of the evening for almost everyone, though, was the square dance! Country hats and bandanas were given out, then the tables were moved to the sides of the room and everyone gathered in the middle. The "caller" for the square dance demonstrated some simple moves and got everyone lined up, then the live bluegrass band started playing and the "caller" started calling out the steps that everyone tried to follow. After initial chaos and much laughter, the dancers finally began to be able to follow the instructions, and they all danced themselves breathless!

Eventually it was time to call it a night, so all the kids headed for their rooms. Tomorrow will be a somewhat later start, since the rehearsal won't start until 9:30 a.m. After such a full and tiring day, I'm sure that extra half-hour of sleep will be enjoyed!

Festival Director Selina Midkiff conducted most of the morning rehearsal.

Dr. Dilworth with Dee Dee and Chara.

After rehearsal, the girls had time for lunch and shopping at the large mall right across the street from the hotel.

Princess Chelsea added lovely pink streaks to her hair, and Chara obviously approves!

The choirs were given a chance to get to know one another during the Welcome Dinner.

The choirs were treated to music on traditional Appalachian instruments such as this dulcimer and guitar.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Male Chorus captivated the audience as they sang spirituals and other traditional songs.

The "Holden Kid" with Haley, Chara, and Emily

Time to square dance! Everyone tried their best to follow the commands of the "caller".

Kelsey and Allyson are pulled along by a winding chain of square dancers.

Swing your partner, now do-si-do! Haile looks like she's getting the hang of this!

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