Morning Times - Tuesday, May 06, 2008
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Waverly, N.Y. -
The Valley Chorus is all
warmed up and set to take the Waverly High School stage Saturday to
present “America Sings: A Tribute To Our Great Nation and All Five
Branches of the Armed Forces."
“We wanted to do something to help people
remember the beginning of our country,” explained director Belle
DeLill, “because today, so many things are going on . . . It’s a
tribute to our country and everything it stands for.”
The performance will feature classics “God
Bless America,” “This Is My Country,” “Battle Hymn of the
Republic” and “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” along with the
non-traditional “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears,” and “Song of the
Unsung Hero.” A 27 piece concert band with members hailing from as
far as Cortland, Scranton, Sidney and Corning will support the chorus
and be featured playing “National Emblem” and “American
Salute.” The Color Guard will open Saturday’s performance backed
by the chorus who will be singing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
“It’s a wonderful program for those
interested in hearing traditional and newer things,” said
DeLill. The performance will not only honor the country’s
foundations, according to DeLill, it will also show thanks to those
who have sacrificed their lives for freedom over the years starting
with the Revolutionary War.
“These pieces have just as much story as in
melody. They need to be heard and honored,” said DeLill. In
addition to all of the music will be Sayre eighth-grade student Sarah
Polinski reading her essay “Why I am an American Patriot,”
which was recognized as the national winner of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars “Patriot’s Pen” essay contest.
The Valley Chorus’ scholarship winners will
also be recognized with $250 awarded to the top honoree, $150 to the
runner up and $100 to third place.
DeLill calls the concert a rare commodity for
the Valley, with few live performances encompassing the scale the
Valley Chorus is able to achieve. Tickets are available at the
Dandy Mini-Marts located in Sayre and Athens Township, Carl’s
Newsstand, Jay Furniture, Jayne’s Flower Shop and Yale’s Music at
a cost of $7, and $10 if purchased the night of the concert at the
door. Prepurchased tickets can also be used on the date of purchase
for a discounted meal at the Best Western, Original Italian Grille,
Beeman’s and Grace Chinese Buffet.
The performance will begin at 7 p.m. on May
10 in the Waverly High School Auditorium. A basket raffle, Priscilla
Ammerman painting raffle and cookbook sale will also be held to help
raise funds for the chorus.
