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Choir named an Outstanding Choir
The Prairie Youth Choir from Cottonwood was recently recognized as an Outstanding Choir at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow. They were the only elementary choir invited to sing in the Kibbie Dome on Friday during Jazz Festival this year and also in 2015. Prairie Youth Choir is a volunteer choir of 20+ students in grades 3rd-6th. They performed “Hit that Jive Jack”, “Going Up a Yonder”, “Dog-Gone “Cat” Blues” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” with numerous students soloing during the songs. Comments from the Clinicians included, “Love the tone quality of your voices! Mature swing feel and vibe for such a young group. Lots of energy and personality.” “Gosh, I just love this group – your energy, your joy, your hard work. You moved me. I was trying to not to cry – you sang with such feeling and reverence. WOW!” “Very nice attention to phrasing.” “Every single person was engaged and joyful – that was amazing!” Anna Everson, daughter of Dan and Tammy Everson of Cottonwood, also a member of the Prairie Youth Choir was selected as an Outstanding Soloist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. At 11 years of age, she was the youngest soloist chosen to sing at Hamp’s Club at the evening concert on Friday, February 26th. Anna sang “Sunny Side of the Street” in the style of Judy Garland, and “All About that Bass” in the style of the group, Postmodern Jukebox. The audience and clinicians thoroughly enjoyed her songs and comments from them included, “Gorgeous tone and vibrato. Way advanced for your years!!! You nailed it.” “Really good ear! Your confidence is awesome. Push yourself to get better and better! What’s next for you? The sky is the limit!” Videos of the Prairie Youth Choir and Anna’s performances are posted on Facebook. The Prairie Youth Choir and Anna will be in concert on Wednesday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Prairie Elementary Music Room. They are accompanied by Mary Spencer on piano, Anthony Karel on the drums, and are directed by Laurie Karel. 
Prairie Youth Choir Members left to right: Back Row: Alex McElroy, Alli Geis, MaKinna Wilson, Anna Everson, Madeline Betts, Levi Walsh and Shae Dinning. Middle Row: Laurie Karel - Director, Kaylee Pikus, Carlee Pikus, Chloe Rowland, Rylee Webb, Hyrum Pikus, Peter Remacle, Anthony Karel – Drummer. Front Row: Haley Howard, Kasandra Dinning, Ember Martin, Isabella Walsh, Harlee Brannan, Clarise Rehder and Chloe Howard. Unavailable for picture - Mary Spencer - Accompanist. Photo provided by Laurie Karel. 
The Prairie Youth Choir performing at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. 
Anna Everson performing at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Photo provided by Laurie Karel. |
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