We all very much enjoyed Kelly’s chorus concert in Athens on Fiona’s birthday. However, I never did write about how really good these kids were and how impressive the show was on the following Saturday. The Athens Classic Center is something of a small Carnegie Hall with a double balcony and two levels of box seats along the side. Kelly had never performed in anything so grand.

Each chorus was composed of the honors singers from many schools across Georgia, and each was conducted by a guest music professor. The boys chorus (about 100 members) made a very theatrical entrance from the back of the theatre, singing an African-sounding chant as they came in: Eh Ohooro Obayafayo Owa Eh FehOh Ohwa Awafaragay. The effect on the CD makes it sound like a large tribe of young warriors coming towards you across the plains. The girl chorus members sitting in the audience exploded into applause and cheering.

I may be biased, but every song sung by Kelly’s 8th grade chorus was exquisite. Nicole claims it brought me to tears. (And it did, although I was suffering from a cold and very itchy eyes, so I had been in tears all day.)

One of my favorite songs was Berlin Irving’s “Sisters”. It makes me think of the sisters we have in our family:

Nicole + Kelly + Claire

Betty + Julie + Patsy

Carol + Kathy + Jami

Here is the song as sung by Kelly and 124 friends: Sisters.

Here are the lyrics:

Sisters

Who comes between me and my man

See also:

The boys singing Eh Ohooro.

Mac 5 music library: Compilations : Middle School.