Cove Homeschool Choir to Present First Concert

The newly organized Cove Homeschool Choir will present a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Martinsburg Church of God. The choir was established by Mrs. Marci Starr and is directed by Mrs. Ellen Stuckey. Mrs. Jackie Leach will be the piano accompanist. Mr. Joseph Walk will provide instrumental accompaniment for several songs. The choir is comprised of 19 homeschooled students aged 10 to 17 years of age, from Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties.

The program will include the following selections. "It's Christmas," arranged by Jay Rouse; the perennial favorite "Jingle Bell Rock" arranged by Mac Huff; "Noel" arranged by Jay Rouse; "All Alone on Christmas" from the movie "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," arranged by Funk; and "Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah)" by Cash, et al. There will be a few additional selections by some of the choir members.

Mrs. Starr, a homeschool mom who also has a passion for music, said, "I founded the Homeschool Choir to give area homeschool students, including my children, the opportunity to experience singing in a choir. Homeschool students have numerous team sports options but choral singing has not been available.

Choral singing is a unique experience as it not only gives students a chance to sing, but to learn the lifelong skill of blending their voices with other singers. My hope is this experience will spark a love of singing in the students and that new friendships will be made as well."

Mrs. Stuckey, a local musician, has directed choirs of various ages as a music teacher and a church choir director. She is pleased to be working with the choir.

"These young singers are developing very nicely as a choir. For many of them it is their first experience singing in a choir using part singing. It is exciting to hear them become confident and blend in harmony. I am thankful to be helping with this new music ensemble."

The public is invited to attend the concert. There is no admission charge but donations to help support the choir will be accepted. The doors open at 2 p.m. with the concert starting at 2:30 p.m. The Martinsburg Church of God is located at 123 S. Market Street, Martinsburg.