Bel Canto Choir to make history

Kati O’Hare

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — The Montrose Bel Canto Choir students will travel to Washington, D.C. in a few weeks for a chance to make history.

The 18-member choir, along with two Montrose High School music chaperones, will arrive at the Capitol June 13. They will meet at the National Mall on June 14, Flag Day, with thousands of other participants of bands, choirs and orchestras representing every state in the nation — making history as the largest school music ensemble ever to rally in one location.

The event is part of the National Anthem Project grand finale and Bel Canto was chosen as the choir representing Colorado.

The group will meet and sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“(The Washington, D.C. trip) is a symbolic event more than anything,” MHS band teacher Andy Burke said. He is chaperoning the event along with choir director Cheryl Leu.

“It’s an event that is trying to revive the interest in (‘The Star-Spangled Banner’).”

The National Anthem Project started in 2005 to teach all Americans the country’s song and encourage music in schools through road shows and nationwide tours, according to the event’s Web site, www.nationalanthemproject.org.

The grand finale will be nationally televised.

Along with sightseeing the Capitol’s monuments and memorials, the choir will also attend performances by the Presidential Marine Corps Band and Drum Corps International.

Bel Canto will perform a 30-minute concert at Freedom Plaza June 15.

“I’m really excited to be able to perform,” choir member Erin Deskin said.

Deskin traveled to Washington, D.C. last year, along with two other choir members, for a summer youth leadership program, but said performing makes this trip special.

The students have been raising funds throughout the year through such services as car washes. Burke said the trip costs roughly $18,000.

Sunday will be the group’s final fundraising event and the Magic Circle Players Community Theatre has decided to help.

The theater hopes to have a full house Sunday for its special final matinee performance of the Gershwin musical, “Crazy For You,” because all proceeds go toward the choir’s trip.

The musical starts at 2 p.m. and the choir performs “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to its opening.

Those who attend will see some of the students’ talents, as six choir members are in the musical and one helps backstage.

“There are cowboys and showgirls — it’s a really fun play,” said Deskin, who is playing a showgirl.

Tickets cost $12 and the theatre can hold up to 250 people. The choir is still looking to raise about $1,500 for the trip, but would like additional finances to pay for transportation and meals, Deskin said.

“The intent of the theater and director is to raise as much from the extra performance as we can through ticket sales and contributions,” said Tammy Theis, the theater’s marketing committee chair.

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com