Friday, October 22 marked the first performance for many of this year's new choir members, as well as the Superstar Choir's first performance at Kenny Dorham's Backyard -- located outside the historic Victory Grill. Knowing as I do, that if my choir members go home after school, they often are not able to make it back to school, I decided to feed them all after our regular rehearsal from 3:00 -- 4:30 ("regular" except we sat down the whole time!), then it would be time to get on the bus. I got considerable help from parents on this trip, as a couple got pizza donated by Eastside Pies, and Pizza Patron and they picked up the pizza and brought it to us. I also had several help out with getting the group to the venue and back safely -- several rode the bus with us. Out of forty-six choir members, we had exactly forty who participated in this performance. This was awesome! Presented by Diverse Arts (thanks Howard McMillan), the Fourth Friday event at Kenny Dorham's Backyard celebrates African-American cultural contributions in the heart of Austin's African American historic district. We had some of our new choir members who were a little apprehensive about being on that stage for the first time, but once they started singing, it was all good! Leadership from our choir veterans has been excellent, and this year 12 of those veterans are fifth-graders (an all-time high number). Thanks to Mr. Brett Lee of Austin Prime Time (which provides the Superstar Choir with some support such as money for buses, some equipment, etc) for making it to the show. We also had lots of support from teachers/staff -- thanks all!
