Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Cherokee youth are invited to test their singing talent at the tryouts for the 2005 Cherokee National Youth Choir. One of the Cherokee Nation's most successful cultural programs, the Cherokee National Youth Choir, will hold auditions from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11 at the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, which is located 3.5 miles south of Tahlequah, Okla. on Highway 62. Registration will be in the lobby and the auditions will be held on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cherokee National Youth Choir meets President George W. Bush, before their performance at the White House in September 2004. 
The 36-member choir received many honors last year, including singing at the White House and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The choir has also recorded several CDs and won numerous awards at the Native American Music Awards.
"This year there will be at least 15 openings in the choir as some of our older students move on," said Mary Kay Henderson, choir director. "I know there is a lot of talent in the Cherokee Nation and I want to encourage everyone to attend the auditions. Last year we had about 50 young people try out and we hope to hear that many at this year's auditions. You don't have to speak Cherokee to be in the choir; we teach them the Cherokee songs."
"It's a wonderful experience for our young people," said Kathy Sierra, assistant choir director. "Last year's group had so many great experiences. It is hard work and they have to put in many hours of practice and they have to behave. I think it is worth it for them; they get to travel and meet famous people."
Choir hopefuls don't have to speak Cherokee, but they do need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, bring their Cherokee Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card and they must be entering the 7th through the 12th grades to qualify. Applicants must also bring a letter of recommendation from a school official stating that they are a student in good standing and they must live within the Cherokee Nation's 14-county jurisdictional area.
For information about the auditions or the choir, please contact Mary Kay Henderson, phone: 918-931-1360 or Kathy Sierra, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2618), or send e-mail to: youthchoir@cherokee.org
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |