New OCC Children’s Choir to Begin Rehearsals January 11

Olney Central College is expanding opportunities for young musicians through its new Children’s Choir directed by Keegan Tucker.

An elementary music teacher in Robinson, Tucker has been active for many years in the Olney Central College Theater and helps facilitate its Summer Children’s Theatre Workshop, which is held in conjunction with the Olney Arts Council.

While middle school students have chances to perform outside of summer theater, Keegan said opportunities are limited for younger children. He hopes the OCC Children’s Choir, which is open to those in Grades 3-5, will help fill that gap.

“This will be an opportunity for them to be actively engaged in performing throughout the year,” he said. “My goal is to expose them to a wide variety of musical literature. I want to enhance the skills they are learning in school with their music teachers and take it to another level. Most of all, I really want them to enjoy singing.”

During the semester, Keegan will assist students in establishing strong musicianship as they work on partner singing, individual parts and harmony as well as developing ear pitch.

Rehearsals will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the OCC Band Room. There is a $30 fee and parents will need to attend the first meeting on January 11 to complete the required paperwork. The semester will conclude with a performance on May 2.

“I think it’s great that Olney has such strong support in the community for all the arts, across all ages,” Tucker said. “I’m excited to see where the Children’s Choir goes this year, and in years to come.”

For more information about the OCC Children’s Choir, call 618-395-7777.