September 22, 2001, ten singers from Clinton Choirs attended a wonderful day, dubbed HARMONY EXPLOSION, which was held at Fountain Lake High School in Hot Springs. The singers participated in a wonderful workshop and concert which featured fine singing, in Barbershop and Sweet Adeline style. The Clinton students were accompanied on the trip by their director, Carol Gray, and two parents, Charla Roberts, and Susie Daniel, who also drove the bus. Students who attended were.... Roy Daniel, Matthew Hicks, Randle Rodgers, Kanai Sluder-- all of who sang in the men's chorus. Rachael Cox, Rheanna Maxwell, Genie Garbow, Jamie Paget, Cara Griffith, and Carolyn Clute--who sang in the ladies' chorus. They sang numbers such as ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK, CONSIDER YOURSELF AT HOME, IN THE GOOD OLE SUMMERTIME, and MY WILD ROSE. After their portion of the concert they were royally entertained by adult groups from Hot Springs Village, who sang lively and touching numbers, including as a finale a beautiful rendition of GOD BLESS AMERICA, which prompted all audience members to join in, in a moving tribute to our country. A wonderful day was had by all, and all in attendance were appreciative of the efforts of Fountain Lake HS Choral Director, Mary Sargo-Cshapiro, who is the president-elect of the Arkansas Choral Directors' Association. It is a joyous thing to see a resurgence of this style of AMERICANA-song-making! Over 200 young singers from 19 high schools all over Arkansas took part, with some coming as far aways as Dover, Alma, Wynne, and ofcorse Clinton!
In other news, Clinton choral students are working hard to prepare for up-coming all region auditions, scheduled for October 20th for junior high singers, and Novembet 3rd for senior high singers. Futhermore, preparations are underway for a local concert on November 12th, and choral participations in an Invitational Choral Festival at Harding University on November 13th, on both junior high and senior levels. On November 1st, 8 Students from Clinton Middle School will also attend the Arkansas Elementry Festival Chorus festivities at UCA, in conjunction with the Arkansas Music Educators' Association state-wide conference.
Recently Ms. Gray, Choral Director, was accepted to serve as a board member for AMEA, a state level position in this organization whose focus is the betterment of music education in our state.
The public is always encouraged TO ENCOURAGE our fine singers by supporting choir efforts, as members of Friends of Choir, and as audience members in local concerts. For more information about these efforts, please contace Ms. Gray at Clinton Schools, 745-6000, extension 1.

Content last updated: 10/01/01
Page Last Updated: 6/05/02