Gala will sing the praises of youth choir

The Charlotte Children's Choir will mark its 20th anniversary with a swank gala at 7 p.m. Friday at the Levine Museum of the New South.

Guests will be treated to a glamorous night featuring performances by the Beth Chorneau Trio and the Advanced Children's Choir, a $10,000 raffle, a cash bar and a silent auction.

Vacation packages, hang-gliding lessons, wine tasting, jewelry and art are a few of the items up for bidding.

"This is a big celebration of what we have accomplished and what we offer to the city of Charlotte," said Sandy Holland, artistic director of the choir. "Twenty years is a big feat for a nonprofit organization."

Since 1986, the Charlotte Children's Choir has provided choral music education for children in the Charlotte metro area. When Holland arrived in 1991, enrollment in the choir had declined to 60 children. Today, more than 250 children, from ages 8 to 18 from all backgrounds, sing in the organization's eight choirs.

Its members represent 90 schools from eight counties in two states.

"We have touched so many people with the many kids that have come through our program," Holland said.

The choir's future goals will focus on expanding its programs to reach more children in the community, she said.

"I just want everyone to hear them," Holland said.

Want to Go?
The Charlotte Children's Choir Gala is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St., Charlotte. Tickets are $25 a person or $40 a couple. Proceeds will benefit the choir. Details: (704) 374-1892, ext. 22, or www.charlottechildrens choir.org.