Let the Games Begin!
No, not the hunger games, which I will admit I relished both the book and the movie. I mean the World Choir Games which begin here in Cincinnati on July 4. This has been all over the news in Cincinnati for at least the last year, but it surprises me when my friends in cities less than 200 miles away are clueless about this huge event.
That’s because the majority of participants will be traveling from all over the world, especially from China. The World Choir Games has been in existence for some time, but this is the first time that a city in the USA has hosted the games. Approximately 400 choirs of all types will be in Cincinnati for almost two weeks rehearsing, sight seeing and most importantly, performing.
Think of this as the olympics for music. There are competitions, but the main purpose is to bring together people from all over the world with a shared love – that of music. The first week will feature choirs that participate in competitions. The 2nd week, is non competitive, but choirs will be of the same skill level.
Our Children’s Choirs will be participating. They are already winners in my book. If you want to define the sound of a children’s choir, all you have to do is listen to the Cincinnati Children’s Choir. The choir goes beyond representing the highest ideals of excellent singing. They continually work to spread the gospel of singing to neighborhoods outside the city and especially to students in the public schools who have very little access to music making. They’ve already won first prize according to this judge.
If you are anywhere near Cincinnati July 4 – July 15, check out a concert or two. Gospel, show, barbershop, church, classical, and from Africa, China, Germany, or the USA to name just a few, will be happy to sing their hearts out to you!
