New student choir to debut at tree lighting
Libby Middle School Select Choir members, from left, Taylor Resch, Mahalah Wedel and Luke Adamson practice for their Dec. 1 debut performance.
By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter
The annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 1, will include the debut performance for the new Libby Middle School Select Choir.
"They're looking excellent," said director Lorraine Braun, who four weeks ago began practices with the fourth- and fifth-graders.
The tree lighting in the park next to the Amtrak station will follow the 6:30 p.m. Holiday Parade of Lights on Mineral Avenue.
The event sponsored by Libby Area Chamber of Commerce, Libby Main Street Program and Libby Ministerial Association kicks off the Christmas holiday. The program also will include a reading of the Christmas story, a live nativity and a visit by Santa.
The Libby Main Street Program will serve free cookies and hot cider. In addition, several downtown businesses will be open.
Braun, a newcomer to Libby, started the select choir after moving from Idaho City, Idaho, about one month ago. Her husband, Chuck, is a lab technician at St. John's Lutheran Hospital in Libby.
Lorraine Braun initiated six similar choirs in two Idaho school districts.
"It gives these kids the experience of going on a different level with their music," said Braun, a certified music teacher for 10 years. "It gives them the opportunity to do something they love."
Libby students auditioned for the after-school program and meet for weekly 75-minute practices.
Members also will sing during St. John's Festival of Lights on Dec. 8 and 9 and during the middle school choir concert on Dec. 14, both at the Memorial Center. In May, the choir will participate in a national competition in Coeur D'Alene and Silverwood Theme Park.
"We will compete against other choirs from across the country," Braun said.
It will cost $79 per student for food, motel and festival entrance fee.
"We will need donations," she said.
Students will compete against other middle school choirs.
The select choir is selling raffle tickets for a 3 1/2-foot porcelain snowman. Tickets are one for $1 or six for $5. Call 293-1006, 293-6040 or 293-8184 to buy tickets, which also will be sold 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Rosauers.
Braun's last job was with Kuna School District in Idaho.
She will give piano lessons in Libby and is directing a free performance of Handel's "Messiah" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec.16, at the Memorial Center. Braun also will direct the music for "Nunsense Jamboree" at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5 and 12, and Saturday, Jan. 6 and 13 at the Memorial Center.