Fall of 2018 marks the onset of the Western Plains Children’s Chorus 28th season. The community youth choirs include area singers from public, private, and home schools. Western Plains Junior Choir is directed by Jeri Langemo, Western Plains Children’s Choir is directed by Jonathan Clark, and Western Plains Youth Ensemble is directed by Rebecca Petrik. Each of the choirs rehearse once a week at MSU.

Member singers in the choirs come back year after year from as far away as Velva, Des Lacs, Surrey, South Prairie, Max, Mohall and Stanley. They build choral and musical skills enabling a high level of artistry and more important, they say, close friendships.

The 2018-19 season includes performances for Hostfest, retirement homes, Christmas and spring Concerts, and spring tours of area schools.

This Fall, Western Plains Children’s Choirs has room in all three choirs for new members.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 5 and 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. They will take place in Room 120 of Old Main at Minot State University. The auditions will involve singing “America” (My Country Tis’ of Thee), “Are You Sleeping” in a round, and echoing short melodic phrases.

To arrange an audition time, call or email Petrik at 426-2039 or rebecca.c.petrik@minotstateu.edu.

They are also pleased to announce two additional non-auditioned programs: DRUMKidz and Music Makers.

DRUMKidz will be with Jeri Langemo and is a two-semester program in which participants engage in weekly classes exploring drums, hand percussion, and mallet instruments. The class, designed for third through fifth grade, will meet on Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the college. It is limited to 20 students. Tuition is $150 for the year. Call 833-4185 with questions or to enroll.

Music Makers will be done with Rebecca Petrik and Miranda Fenner and is a two-semester program designed for second and third-graders who like to sing, dance, and play instruments. The class meets on Thursdays from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. at the college and is limited to 20 students. Tuition is $150 for the year. Call 426-2039 or 337-412-5108 with questions or to enroll.