The Utica Community Schools Honors Choir spent one of the last days of their summer vacation getting in tune for the new year.
The 94-member choir, comprised of fifth and sixth grade students from each elementary school, held an annual camp to prepare for their concert in November.
"It is really fun to be here," said fifth-grade Faith McGuire, of Collins Elementary. "It is a great learning experience and we are doing what we all love to do."
Members of the Honors Choir are recommended by their music teachers. Students have to audition in front of UCS music teachers before they are selected for the group.
The group meets weekly to practice the songs and the accompanying choreography. They started with a three-day camp this week, allowing teachers to introduce their eleven song set to the students. The set includes such songs as Kusimama (Stand Tall) - Jim Papoulis; Friendship - Cole Porter; Mir Zeinen Alle - Arranged by Henry Leck and Martin Ellis - and a medley called "No Bullies, Get Real."
"We are featuring different genres and cultures so that the students have a well-rounded choral experience," said Susan Rosso, music teacher and Co-Chair K-12 Performing Arts Department. She co-directs the choir with music teachers Christopher Zuccaro, Jessica Nicol, and Nancy Cannava.
The Honor Choir students are preparing for their 2013-2014 show - "Friendship" - scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 13 at Henry Ford II High School.
Admission is free.
The group also performs at the UCS Show Choir Extravaganza.
Students participating in the camp said they were looking forward to participating in the practices and performances in the new school year.
"I really enjoy the way you can express yourself through lyrics," McGuire said.
