The Western Plains Children’s Choirs will present “How Can I Keep From Singing” on May 5 at 3 p.m. in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

“How Can I Keep From Singing” comes from the 19th century hymn by Robert Lowry. The song speaks of a person’s life-long interconnection with music and the concert will reflect this message the individuals of each choir sing in concert together, sharing inescapable connections with and through music.

The concert will also unveil a song created with Emerson Eads from Minot State. The song, titled “You Are Music,” was composed and directed by Eads and will be sung by all three choirs. It will feature quotes from different members about what the meaning of music is in their lives. This project was made available to the choirs through a donation from Harold and Angelique Desautel.

This year marks 28 years of Western Plains Children’s Choirs bringing vibrant choral singing to area audiences. The choirs started out as one choir of around 50 fifth-grade and sixth-grade singers and has grown to be three choirs comprised of 120 singers in grades three through 12.

Members of the choirs represent area schools including Minot Public Schools, Bishop Ryan, home schools, Velva, Max, South Prairie, Surrey, Des Lacs, Nedrose, Mohall, Glenburn and Stanley.

The Western Plains Junior Choir is directed by Jerlyn Langemo, assistant director Kaylee Capp and accompanied by Sean Bostrom. The Western Plains Children’s Choir is directed by Rebecca Petrik, assistant director Ashlie Drummelsmith, and also accompanied by Sean Bostrom.

The Western Plains Youth Ensemble is directed by Rebecca Petrik, assistant director J’Kobe Wallace and is accompanied by Gabrielle Razafinjatovo. Paula Simonson supports all three ensembles by providing choreography.

A freewill offering will be taken to support singers who will need scholarships to participate in the Western Plains Children’s Choirs for the 2019-20 season.