Crossroads Celebrity Concert

Nashville's Secret Summer Concert

Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival Producer, Martha Wright, began her career as a music teacher. This is still her passion. Foremost in her priorities is instilling a passion for all kinds of music and providing the tools necessary for all participants in the Crossroads Celebrity Concert to carry this torch with them for a lifetime. Selling tickets has not been a big consideration. Consequently, there is no budget for advertising. The CCC is publicized primarily by word of mouth. Check out the following link with this thought in mind.

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert Countdown to July 14, 2011

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert on July 14, 2011.

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song and dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic sophisticated harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

Five times nominated as country music"s Male Vocalist of the Year, Collin Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children"s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals and Make a Difference Day. At the 2001 Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin Raye with the organization"s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin"s issue-oriented music and his tireless charity work.

During the concert The Crossroads Celebrity Children's Chorus also steps forward to perform several awe-inspiring choir pieces under the baton of Internationally acclaimed composer and conducter Stephen Hatfield from Vancouver, Canada. Known the world over for his multi-cultural choir compositions, Stephen Hatfield will polish the combined choir for five days leading up to the concert at the Crossroads International Children's Choir Festival at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.

Hatfield is a highly sought children's choir clinician and composer. The individual Choirs have been rehearsing this music for months in preparation for this event. At the Celebrity Concert you will hear youth voices as you've never heard them before.

This year's mass concert choir is comprised of four choirs.

Underlining the truely international nature of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Children's Chorus the Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School Chorus from an area near Beijing China, will join the Crossroads Mass choir this year. This is the first time this choir has performed in the United States, but we don't expect it to be their last. This tour to Nashville comes as a once in a lifetime opportunity for all parties. For the children it is a life-changing performance.

The Crossroads Orchestra is comprised of seasoned resident Nashville musicians, all of whom routinely make the music behind the scenes as the music pulse of Nashvilles top performers. Brought together by producer Martha Wright these muscians are organized by Steve Patrick. Many of these exceptional artists are members of the award-winning Nashville Symphony.

We are also pleased to have as Master of Ceremonies, Josh Connor, WSM personality and familiar voice in Nashville and a musical talent in his own right.

Martha Wright is the Concert and Festival Producer. This is her fourth annual Crossroads event www.westtennesseechildrenschorus.com , which is an advanced choir from Memphis.Martha Wright with a familiar celebrity face taken when she and an early WTYC group appeared on the TODAY show.

www.crossroadschildrenschorusfestival.com The countdown continues. Check tomorrow's blog for more details about participating celebrity singers.

Thirty Days & Counting 'til Crossroads Celebrity Concert

The Crossroads Orchestra is comprised of outstanding Musicians from the award-winning Nashville Symphony. These are seasoned professionals who have played with numerous celebrity artists. Orchestra Organizer, Steve Patrick, is one of many of these professional musicians.

Studio Trumpet player Steve Patrick of Nashville, Tennessee is one of the most sought after trumpeters in the Nashville area. Starting his on trumpet mouthpiece company (Patrick Mouthpieces) in 2011, Steve Patrick has performed and recorded with some of the most notable names in the music business. First call trumpet player Steve Patrick received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Indiana University, where he was a student of David Baker, Dominic Spera, and Bill Adam.

Today, as we begin our countdown to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert, we will begin to delve more deeply into our featured artists. From a rural area near Beijing China hails our first Asian choir to participate in our International Crossroads Childrens Chorus. The mass choir will perform several choral pieces themselves as well as back-up harmonies for the other performers. Past experience tells us that the youth choir sound will be angelic.

Each year the mass choir is made up of four to seven choirs from around the world. Previously featured choirs have included representation from the United States including Alaska and choirs from Canada. The Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School Chorus is our most recent International participant.

Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School

As we saw in the Olympics, China is well-known for their precision and excellence, with a national history that predates virtually all Western cultures. There's is a long and proud heritage. China is fast becoming a dominant figure on the world's stage. The Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School Chorus comes highly recommended as an example of musicality, hard work and precision.

The Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School Chorus, as with all choir participants, was required to meet an initial screening for excellence and discipline. This screening process is done personally by Crossroads Celebrity Concert and Festival producer Martha Wright, who is known for her acutely musical ear and exacting standards. It was a process in itself to see the Chongqing Shanhu Experimental Primary School work through their country's travel procedures. The Chinese Choir has met a high bar for for both countries in addition to the Crossroads standards. Their arrival and participation is greatly anticipated and we extend the warm welcomes that only shared music seems to make possible. They are ambassadors representing their country as each choir is a like ambassador for their respective communities.

The Crossroads Celebrity Concert is ". . . one of the most exciting concerts of the summer."

This is a quote from a man who saw all of last summer's concerts held at the Ryman Auditorium (where the concert was held last year due to the flood's displacement from the Grand Ole Opry House.)

". . . one of the most exciting concerts of the summer."

Actually, he said, "one of the top three events of the summer". It is no wonder why it was. The Crossroads Celebrity Concert is exceptional because of the concert producer's exacting standards to which all participants are held. Martha Wright ensures that participants are not only excellent musicians, they must also be outstanding role models. Nowhere will you find a more exemplary group of artists. Participating artists are often also models of inspiration in life as well--having overcome many of the odds life has stacked against them.

Ronnie Milsap and his granddaughter with with fellow celebrities Kallen Esperian and Lawrence Hamilton after a previous Crossroads Concert. Ronnie Milsap will be back in future years. Martha Wright is holding the roses.

Ronnie Milsap is a founding artist and has been a main stay of Crossroads Celebrity Festival, and a member of the Crossroads advisory board. He will be back in subsequent years. Mr. Milsap is revered in Nashville. He is often called the voice of Country Soul Music and the father of Country Soul. Ronnie Milsap has had forty number one hits. Imagine, FORTY NUMBER ONE HITS!

Most people are familiar with these songs, some of which have been performed by other artists as well. But Ronnie Milsap has set the standard that we hear when this tunes are played. Ronnie has been a prolific vocal artist. As is one of Ronnie's own mentors Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap has been blind from birth. He has overcome so very much. He is one of the most positive people you will ever meet. During the first Crossroads Celebrity Concert, Milsap declared upon taking the stage, "History is being made tonight." (The first part of this clip captures this moment.)

Ronnie Milsap is worthy of emulation by anyone. Although he may not see as do most people he instantly caught Martha Wright's vision for Crossroads and offered his support as an artist.

"Though fans may come to Crossroads to enjoy a particular artist or genre, they invariably leave with a greater appreciation of other music genres as well."

God works in mysterious ways; to Him Martha Wright readily attributes her the success of her Crossroads endeavors, notwithstanding her own hard work. She believes in the adage. "Work as if everything depends upon you, and pray as if everything depends upon God."

"Work as if everything depends upon you, and pray as if everything depends upon God."

It was realatively late in the season when one of Martha's daughters, Sara, suggested an ideal country celebrity for Crossroads. Sara assists at the concerts. Thankfully, the suggestion worked out perfectly. Collin Raye meets all the criteria. Many music-lovers outside of the country music fan base are familiar with Collin Raye's songs, which are written and sung from the heart. This underlines the theme behind the name Crossroads. The theme that led to the the name is that the concert and festival are intended to explore the common roots of music--including all genres, thus genres meet in Nashville--Music City--the Crossroads of American music.

". . . the concert and festival are intended to explore the common roots of music--including all genres. Thus, genres meet in Nashville--Music City--the Crossroads of American Music."

Collin Raye is a great singer and a great example as a person. Go to this link to read some of his views about the industry and life-choices.

During the Crossroads Celebrity Concert you will see Classical Artists complimenting Country Artists and both of those complimenting Broadway Artists and so on. Though classically trained, the Crossroads Children's Choir provides a new dimension for all of these artists, as well as setting standards for other choirs around the world. Classical training of these youthful voices and their sight-singing skills enable them to quickly adapt to any kind of music.

There is sometimes a kind of snobbery among proponents or fans of one type of music or another. This does NOT happen at Crossroads; participants celebrate all types of music, understanding that those common roots go back to the same soil hundreds of years ago. Though fans may come to Crossroads to enjoy a particular artist or genre, they invariably leave with a greater appreciation of other music genres as well. They may also realize for the first time how truly talented and musically versatile artists are. This is one of the goals of Crossroads.

". . . thus, genres meet in Nashville--Music City--the Crossroads of American music."

Did You See Sutton Foster on TV Shows this Week?

Although, Sutton Foster was among our guest celebrities during our Crossroads Celebrity Concert last year, 2010, it is worthy of mentioning that whe was recognized with her second Tony Award for Best Actress. Please see next post for some headlines, pics, links and video clips (this is our next post) . But be sure to come back and check out today's current info regaarding this year's Crossroads Celebrity. The link is:

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/2011/06/sutton-foster-wins-best-actress-in-a-musical-tony-yahoo-news.html

Join the Countdown!

Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert on July 14, 2011.

Click Banner to Enlarge

Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song and dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 

Previous Crossroads Celebrity Concert Guest Sutton Foster wins best actress in a musical Tony

AP – Sutton Foster arrives at the 65th annual Tony Awards, Sunday, June 12, 2011 in New York. (AP Photo/Charles …

via news.yahoo.com

Sutton Foster, who is on the Advisory Board of Crossroads Celebrity Concert associate music festival was a featured celebrity at the 2010 Crossroads Celebrity Concert. She's been in the news this week everywhere you turn.

From the Washington Post:

NEW YORK — Sutton Foster has won the Tony Award for best actress in a musical.

Foster won for playing Reno Sweeney, the sassy but kindhearted nightclub singer looking for a good man aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, in the revival of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes.”

From the Los Angeles Times:

"Anything Goes," the Coler Porter musical revived this season by the Roundabout Theatre Company, has scored two major wins at the Tony Awards -- musical revival and lead actress Sutton Foster . . .

Foster, playing the role immortalized by Ethel Merman, thanked her current boyfriend (and fellow nominee) Bobby Cannavale. She also tearfully thanked her dresser of many years, who she said . . . http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/06/tony-awards-anything-goes-sutton-foster-win-awards-.html . . .

From The Denver Post:

Sutton Foster, who won a best actress Tony in 2002 for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," got a second trophy Sunday night. Foster carried home this year's best actress in a musical Tony for "Anything Goes."

"Anything Goes" also won for best musical revival and best choreography.

From Billboard:

Even though some victories, like Foster's and, of course, that of "The Book of Mormon," seemed preordained, many found this year's Tonys one of the most entertaining in a long time.

"This was my favorite awards show - except the ones where I've won," Stephen Colbert quipped to The Associated Press at the post-show gala at the Plaza Hotel. The Comedy Central host had just performed in a number from Stephen Sondheim's "Company," which played at the New York Philharmonic in April, starring Harris and featuring Colbert, Patti LuPone and many others.

From ABC News via AP:

Foster won for playing Reno Sweeney, the sassy but kindhearted nightclub singer looking for a good man aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, in the revival of Cole Porter's "Anything Goes . . .

The Seattle Times

It is Foster's second Tony. She previously won in 2002 for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and has earned Tony nominations for "Shrek: The Musical," "Little Women" and "The Drowsy Chaperone."

Foster beat out Patina Miller in "Sister Act," and Donna Murphy in "The People in the Picture" and Beth Leavel in the jukebox musical "Baby It's You!"

From Readingeagle.com

Sutton Foster and Joel Grey team up for laughs

[+] Enlarge. - Courtesy of Joan Marcus Joel Grey and Sutton Foster from the musical "Anything Goes," performing at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. NEW YORK - It doesn't take long for an interview with Sutton Foster and Joel Grey to evolve into something more like a vaudeville routine. Sitting in Grey's dressing room at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, the pair are a little punch drunk from exhaustion as they team up for the first time in "Anything Goes," a revival of the Cole Porter romp that demands they dance and sing their hearts out. "I'm very slow. I'm a slow learner," said Grey, whose turn as the master of ceremonies in "Cabaret" in 1966 earned him a Tony Award. "She's the fastest learner in history. She was generally patient." Foster, who won her own Tony in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," shot him a look that was mock icy. "You were," he told her. "I was very patient!" Foster exploded sarcastically. "That's what I said," said Grey, defensively. "You said generally!" accused Foster. The two then dropped the bickering act and laughed. "We do great. We're a good team," said Grey, who turned 79 this week. "If you have to fake it, you do. But we don't have to fake it, which is a gift." "That's true," said Foster, 36. In the Roundabout Theatre Company production of "Anything Goes" led by director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall, Foster and Grey find themselves on a ship crossing the Atlantic amid a crazy mix of characters. Foster plays nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, who gets to belt out some of Porter's best tunes: "You're the Top," "I Get a Kick Out of You," "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" and "Anything Goes." Grey plays a low-grade, charming public enemy named Moonface Martin.

Benefits Tornado Victims: Ticket Sales for The Crossroads Celebrity Concert in Nashville

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert on July 14, 2011.

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

For "something completely different" for your next event, consider great pop hits and American standards sung by one of the great voices of our generation. Kallen Esperian is regarded as one of the great sopranos of our time. From the Metropolitan Opera in New York to Milan’s La Scala, she has sung in every major opera house in the world. Known for the beauty of her tone and for having a great command of her instrument, Kallen is highly respected for her musicianship, artistry, dramatic honesty, and intensity. Esperian has an Italianate quality to her voice and throughout her career has specialized in the Italian Opera Repertoire. She is known primarily for her work in both Verdi and Puccini, although her repertoire includes many other composers. Although Esperian is a classical opera singer in the traditional sense, she never closes the door to interesting projects of music from other genres. Her effort to bring different musical styles and worlds together has produced some fun and eclectic results, from Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", "We are the Champions" by Queen, and most recently making her Rap debut with Lord T and Eloise on their latest release. In November, 2006 Kallen stared in her own show, which was titled “Kallen Stepping Out”, at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis TN. This show, produced with all new Sam Shoup arrangements and conducted by Michael Ching, contained songs from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and many more fabulous composers as well as some Opera favorites. Please feel free to visit the Kallen Esperian web site at www.kallenesperian.com.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song and dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can.

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The Following Links are to our Commercial Banner Ad Well Wishers. You may join them by exchanging Banner Ads to help Promote our Concert.

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

Twenty-Five Days and Counting 'til The Crossroads Celebrity Concert - July 14th

You Can Help Promote this Concert!

 

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1) Buy you concert tickets; please be generous. Each ticket sold benefits recent tornado and storm victims--besides being a wonderful concert which anyone will enjoy. Tickets to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert make an excellent gift for any family member. There is nothing like this fine mixed-genre talent. The Crossroads Celebrity Concert will be held Thursday July 14th, 2011 at the Grand Ole Opryhouse. Tickets can be bought through the Opry House Box-Office, through TicketMaster, or by emailing info@crossroadschildrenschorusfestival.com

2) Help recent storm victims by buying several tickets to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert and by attending and giving them as gifts to friends and family. TICKET SALES ALSO BENEFITS FRIENDS OF YOUNG MUSICIANS, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT HELPS NEEDY YOUTH MUSICIANS ACCOMPLISH THEIR MUSIC EDUCATION.

 

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4) Share Crossroads Celebrity Concert Blog on Facebook and other social networking sites.

 

5) Add the Crossroads Celebrity Concert banner to your email by the "cut-and-paste" function of your email. You can use this banner now:

 

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7) It is not hard to attach this banner as a TEMPORARY SIGNATURE , OR FOOTER TO YOUR EMAIL FORMAT WHICH WILL AUTOMATICALLY ADD IT TO EVERY E-MAIL YOU SEND. YOU CAN THEN EASILY DELETE THE BANNER AFTER THE CONCERT.

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert on July 14, 2011.

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often;but you must hunt for it!

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

Stephen Hatfield is an Amazing Phenomenon: Multi-cultural Composer and Youth Director and Teacher

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert July 14, 2011.

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

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You cannot get this anywhere else! This is the fourth year that Stephen Hatfield will grace the Crossroads Celebrity Concert, arriving from Victoria, British Columbia for the final days leading up the Crossroads Celebrity Concert to personally rehearse the combined international chorus. Stephen Hatfield, himself a proud Canadian, has traveled extensively studying various and unique music styles and forms, and then bringing parts, all, or a gestalt of these widely varied pieces to the choral world via his excellent choral series available primarily through Boosey and Hawkes publishing. Stephen polishes this mass-choir singing their back-up roles with the artists as well as performing their on showcase pieces prepared specifically for this concert.

Several of the selections that Martha Wright, Producer and Artistic Director, has chosen are selected pieces that Stephen Hatfield has written. Stephen does an outstanding job in each capacity. He is praised for his unique teaching methods and his ability to meet the challenges of holding the children's attention during the five days of rehearsal. It is remarkable to watch Stephen and the children love him. His experience with culturally diverse music gives the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus a conductor who can lead with experience to prepare for the various genres and different artistic styles presented by the artists.

"Hatfield has been praised for his unique teaching methods and his ability to meet the challenges of holding the children's attention during the five days of rehearsal."

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See our next post for a review of each individual choir participating this year as part of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus. They are among the best of the best!

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Dr. Ming Wang -- is a Crossroads Celebrity Concert Well-Wisher. Read his remarkable story at the following link.

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often;but you must hunt for it!

Crossroads Celebrity Concert's Hundreds of Young Celebrities

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Nashville Crossroads Celebrity Concert on July 14, 2011.

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often;but you must hunt for it!

Click Double Click Banner to Enlarge

Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

Participants from The Saint Louis Children's Choirs comprise one of five superb individual choirs chosen to combine with the other choirs as the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus on July 14th , 2011 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. July 14th will mark the Crossroads Celebrity Concert's fourth international mass children's choir participating in the concert. During these four years hundreds of the most accomplished youth voices have participated and shared the stage with the other celebrity artists. These young singers are celebrities in their own rights. The combined choir size has varied between seventy-five and one-hundred-thirty voices. Since the Grand Ole Opry House stage can only accomodate about a hundred-thirty chorus participants, it is a very select few who meet their high bar for participation. Martha Wright is both the Producer and the Artistic Director for this event. She has always emphasized quality over quantity.

"Being a part of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus is about the children," says Martha Wright.

"These children are the cream of the crop". Many of the individual choirs have shared the stage with dignitaries, presidents and heads-of-state including two United States Presidents, Olympic Gold Medal Winners, CEO's of major companies, and a host of celebrity artists from numerous music styles."

"Since the Grand Ole Opry House stage can only accomodate about a hundred-thirty chorus participants, it is a very select few who meet their high bar for participation."

"With their firm classical vocal foundation they can sight-read and perform any style of music they are called upon to sing--just as surely as the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Orchestra can play any score they pick up. These are children singing like you've never heard them sing before."

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The Flint Festival Youth Chorus will combine with other choirs to form the July 14, 2011 Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival. You can learn more about these fine young singers by clicking their link.

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As The Director of the Nashville Chinese Chanber of Commerce, Dr. Ming Wang is especially interested in seeing the sharing of cultures as well as music genres at the Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival.

 

The Chongqing Shanshu Experimental School Children's Chorus will travel from the interior of China to participate in the Crossroads Children's Concert. This a great honor for Nashville as well as for China.

23 days 'til Crossroads Celebrity Concert

More choirs participating in the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Mass Choir will be featured tomorrow.

Crossroads Producer and Artistic Director, Martha Wright, has chosen Josh Connor as Crossroads Celebrity Concert Master of Ceremonies July 14th, 2011.

Who is the best Master of Ceremonies in Nashville? Some say, Josh Connor.

What do you think?

First let me bring you all the facts about Josh Conner.

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often;but you must hunt for it!

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

The following excerpt is from this WSM FM Link.

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At the age of five, Josh Connor’s life was in a constant state of flux. As the only child of an arts professor seeking work, the Connor family was always moving from town to town, hop-scotching across the US from the Midwest to the Southwest until his dad was offered permanent tenure. And Josh would soon have to adjust to being a big brother, as the first of two sisters would be born. Josh craved roots (something he could claim as his own) and a strong connection with his parents. Love for music and the arts provided that bridge. As the family welcomed his baby sister, Josh’s grandmother gave him a piano, which, admittedly, meant more to him than notes and keys--it was his refuge. During this same period of time, an announcement that Charlie Daniels was making an appearance at the local record store came from the family radio. Daniels was at the peak of his career and the family piled excitedly in the car and went to meet him. “I remember thinking how magnanimous this guy was! He was larger than life!” says Conner. “He picked me up and stood me on the desk beside him and he let me stand there the whole time…while he met with people and signed autographs. I don’t know why there was that connection, but it changed my life” recalls Conner (who continues to carry a picture from that day in his wallet for inspiration). From that point forward, Josh poured himself into honing his musical skills. By high school, he was playing guitar in a country band and was offered a college scholarship in music. While in college, Josh pieced together a studio in his apartment to record his demos. Josh also discovered his knack for jingle writing and was soon making decent money from his sideline. A radio station in Robinson, IL heard his work and offered him a job. As word of his talent spread, he was offered an afternoon slot on a larger station in Cedar Rapids. After proving himself as a share-driving talent and winning multiple awards, he was recruited to a Des Moines station, where he spent the next four years. In 2007, Josh contemplated a move to Nashville—there he could continue his radio career but also embrace his musicianship. On a whim, he placed a phone call. To his delight, he found a position opening at the legendary 95.5 FM WSM. During his own tenure with the station, Josh has been recognized with multiple A.I.R. awards in the production of commercials. Josh can be heard every weekday (Monday-Friday, Middays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m).

More Celebrity Youth! Read this Blog and win Prizes.

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

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Wait until you hear Lawrence Hamiltion. Lawrence Hamilton is an all around great musician. His voice will give you chills and bring tears to your eyes. A true American Broadway song and dance artist, Lawrence has thrilled audience from around the world in musicals such as the Hot Mikado, Ragtime. But that's not all. You learn much more about this great performer in out next blog post.

The Ragtime Tour

As it turns out, this is the first time that Lawrence Hamilton and Collin Raye have shared the stage since they were inducted into the Arkansas Music Hall of Fame. You are in for a treat. Lot's of good things come from Arkansas. (Did you know that Arkansas has a diamond mine that's open to the public--complete with camping amenities. You get to keep what you find.)

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"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 The West Tennessee Youth Chorus is Martha Wright's Greater Memphis Area choir. The WTYC is also the host choir for the Crossroads Childrens Chorus Festival, which is held during the week leading up to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert--July 14th, 2010.

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Click the following link to learn more about . . .

Crossroads Celebrity Concert Presents Lawrence Hamilton

One Concert, Multiple Music Styles, Many Music Stars!

Lawrence Hamilton

Inducted in 2005

(b. 1954) – Born September 14, 1954, the career of Lawrence Hamilton has been paved with bold and creative achievements worldwide. A native of Foreman, Arkansas he attended the Foreman Public Schools and received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He served as musical director for opera star Jessye Norman, performed at the White House, for Pope Paul II at the Vatican, and in concert with the legendary Lena Horne. At the Arkansas Repertory Theatre he appeared as Whining Boy in “The Piano Lesson,” created Souvenir (an evening of song featuring the works of Randy Goodrum) and directed the 2006 production of “Crowns.” An inductee into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, he currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Philander Smith College in Little Rock. www.lawrencehamilton.com

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TexARTS produces top quality professional theater using union performers from New York, Los Angeles and throughout the region to give audiences inspiring, entertaining and memorable theatrical experiences. Prior productions have included “The Music Man” with three-time Tony nominee Rebecca Luker and her Broadway costar, Jim Walton; “Big River” with Broadway star Lawrence Hamilton;

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Lawrence made his 1979 Broadway debut in Timbuktu starring Eartha Kitt. Other credits: Play On, Jelly's Last Jam, The Wiz, Uptown it's Hot, Blues in the Night, Ragtime and many others. National Tours and Regional Theater Productions The Hot Mikado, for which he received the Helen Hayes Award Nomination, Big River, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twist, Eubie, Apollo, It was just like Magic.

Play On, Lawrence as Rev.

Blues in the night

Jelly's Last Jam, with Gregory Hines

Timbuktu

The Hot Mikado

Ragtime

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Also See Additional Artists at the Crossroads Celebrity

 

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

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Click the following link to learn more about . . .

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

Crossroads Celebrity Concert Brings Genres Together for One Night

Thus we meet at the Crossroads of Music--Nashville, Music City. The Grand Ole Opry House, still known as the heart of country, has also become a meeting place for various music styles from classic to Jazz. It is only natural, as Nashville has become a recording capital of the world. If you want to be a musician working in the busines--earning a living doing what you love-- your odds increase significantly when you move to Nashville. This is just what a many musicians of all flavors have done. A veritible music-haven, if not music-heaven has long been recognized in Nashville.

You may see famous stars doing their shopping or dining out. Fine dining, fun activities, and a throbbing pulse of entertainment mixes with an underpinning of small-town charm. A medical center and a college town, as well as the capital city of the diverse state of Tennessee, Nashville is a great place to visit or to live. Tennessee touches more states than any other state. Did you know that it takes longer to drive from the west end of Tennessee to the other than it does to reach white beaches in the panhandle of Florida? But why would you need to go to Florida. Tennessee has so much more to offer. From the the delta blues and the brown water of the Mississippi in Memphis to the crystal waters of the Smokies and every shade in between--Tennessee has it all.

Nashville provides a varied sampling of Tennessee's best and is a good place to start. During a time when it's hard to find a good value in foreign travel, and other concerns plague those stewards over travel groups--especially youth groups--Nashville offers a great alternative for experiencing more culture, music, and diverity than any one city over the pond. And it is right here in the safety of the South--USA. Nashville is a model city in many ways including beauty, charm, and SAFETY. You don't have to worry about terror in this quarter. Local folks simply won't put up with it. But the folks are all about generosity and hospitality. It's just the way it is.

All the Way from Chongqing, China. What an Adventure!

Take a look at this choir from China who combines with other choirs to form the Crossroads Celebrity Choir. You may want to take time to familiarize yourself with their home municipality by following some of the links below.

Fir Lake (Shanhu)

(from this web site: http://scenery.cultural-china.com/en/147S492S7644.html )

Map data ©2011 Europa Technologies, SK M&C, Tele Atlas, ZENRIN - Terms of UseMore Chongqing Maps You May Be Interested In

You may click the map to enlarge.

The Chongqing Shanshu Experimental School Childrens Chorus will be traveling a long way from home. This is something that few of their local peers, and even local adults will ever do. This is exciting for both the choir and staff, as it for those receiving them here in Nashville.

Chongqing is a name applied in China to the entire municipality; the municipality includes the city of Chongqing, a metropoliton city of 18 million people, as well as many outlying towns and villages. In this way Chongqing compares to a state of province within Canada or the United States. Great strides have been made in China during recent decades, as once closed barriers have been lifted and the world has streamed in to see the wonderful sites contained therein.

Of course, the Panda, which is native to the part of China from wereh this young choir resides and studies. But there is so much more. Cultural arts are taken seriously in China. Those who are selected to study as have the students of the Chongqing choir, have opportunities to study and become the best that they can be. China is known for excellence and these children and their teachers have big shoes to fill. They are singing with other choirs who are largely comprised of older children.

The music these children will be delivering is difficult for anyone to learn; much of it is harmonies up to as many as six-parts. The choirs who combine to form the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus learn their music as individual choirs and then com together and polish the music for a week as a combined choir. There are a lot of pieces the choirs will be singing as back-up to the other celebrity artists. There are also several pieces which the chorus will be singing in entirity in harmony with one another. Blend is what it is all about. Blend is what makes the difference between any good choir and a world-class choir.

Crossroads founder, Martha Wright, who is also the concert producer and artistic director, is a stickler for excellence in choir blend. She has the ability to pick out any desonace and she knows how to have it corrected. Martha chooses all of theartists, and all of the music, in consultation with the artists. The music is carefully chosen, much of it arranged by professionally exclusively for the Crossroads events. This is a tedious and time-consuming process. But it is this process that often makes for a successful concert.

Stephen Hatfield, who both composes several of these concert choir pieces, as well as rehearsing the combined choir for the week preceding the concert, and then conducts the combined choir, celebrity artists, and the Crossroads Symphony. Stephen Hatfield in a multi-cultural choir specialist. His compositions often draw upon identifying nuances from various unique music cultures. We know of noone who can do this as well as can Stephen Hatfield. Both the participating child celebrity artists and those sitting forward of the Grand Ole Opry stage as an audience--are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Stephen Hatfield.

This Chongqing China children's chorus has not only the task of learning inherently advanced choir music in harmonic parts, it also has to learn the words in languages foreign to them. Martha Wright had to be convinced of this choir's--and all the choir's--ability to meet this task. Due to the formalities of leaving China, the Chongqing choir has only two months to learn all of their music. This an enormous accomplishment. It speaks volumes about the quality of education and the capability of Chinese children. Imagine being under the pressure of this burden while traveling to a completely new country and performing with the other celebrities  during this professional concert.

To attend this concert will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear such a performance. Don't pass it up. Of course, any tickets you purchase will not be wasted. Tickets to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert, July 10th, now less than three weeks away, would make outstanding gifts for anyone of any age. Remember that each ticket purchased will acrue to the benefit of your neighboring storm and tornado victims. This is these celebrity childrens gift of service to them--and to you. Please attend this concert or send someone to witness it. It will be this summer's high point for all who attend.

The two pictures of a young Chinese lady who was documented during her debut public vocal performance near Chonqing. Cultural arts play an important part the overall Chinese culture.

 

http://scenery.cultural-china.com/en/146Scenery215.htmlhttp://kallenesperian.com/index.htmlhttp://arts.cultural-china.com/en/94Arts9902.htmlhttp://arts.cultural-china.com/en/93Arts10689.html

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Kallen Esparian, world renowned operatic soprano is just one of the featured celebrities who will be accompanied by the mass childrens choir, of which the above choir is a part, at the upcoming Crossroads Celebrity Chorus, July 14th 2011. You can access her web site by clicking the image below.

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Crossroads Celebrity Concert Brings Genres Together for One Night

Click the following photo to navigate to the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Web Site.

Thus, we meet at the Crossroads of Music--Nashville, Music City. The Grand Ole Opry House, still known as the heart of country, has also become a crossroads for various music styles from country to rock, classic to Jazz. This is only natural, as Nashville has become a recording capital of the world. If you want to be a working musician--earning a living doing what you love-- your odds increase significantly when you move to Nashville. This is just what many musicians from diverse backgrounds have done. A veritable music-haven, if not music-heaven has long been establshed in Nashville.

http://www.nashvillechamber.com/Homepage/VisitNashville/VisitorInformation.aspx

"The Society of American Travel Writers, the world's largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers, polled its members to come up with the top 10 best North American cities for live music. Nashville ranked fourth."
- Society of American Travel Writers, October 2009

You may see famous stars doing their shopping or dining out. Fine dining, fun activities, and a throbbing pulse of entertainment mixes with an under-penning of small-town charm. A medical center and a college town, as well as the capital city of the diverse state of Tennessee, Nashville is a great place to visit or to live. Tennessee touches more states than any other state. Did you know that it takes longer to drive from the west end of Tennessee to the other than it does to reach white beaches in the panhandle of Florida? But why would you need to go to Florida. Tennessee has so much more to offer. From the the delta blues and the brown water of the Mississippi in Memphis to the crystal waters of the Smokies and every shade in between--Tennessee has it all.

Nashville provides a varied sampling of Tennessee's best and is a good place to start. During a time when it's hard to find a good value in foreign travel, and other concerns plague those stewards over travel groups--especially youth groups--Nashville offers a great alternative for experiencing more culture, music, and diversity than any one city over the pond. And it is right here in the safety of the South--USA. Nashville is a model city in many ways including beauty, charm, and SAFETY. Few worry about terror in this quarter. Local folks simply won't put up with it. But the folks are all about generosity and hospitality. It's just that way.

Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 

Click Double Click Banner to Enlarge

Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Also See Additional Artists at the Crossroads Celebrity Concert

 

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

_______________________________________

Click the following link to learn more about . . .

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

What a Collection of Talent, this Crossroads Celebrity Concert July 14th, 2011 !

Collin Raye is the Celebrity Country Artist during the 2011 Crossroads Celebrity Concert, July 14th.

 

 

 

 

Barbara Berner is the Artistic Director of the Saint Louis Children's Choir.

 

Barbara Berner conducts the advanced touring ensemble, Concert Choir, co-directs Choristers, and oversees all aspects of the children’s choirs program as Artistic Director. Under Mrs. Berner’s direction Concert Choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, the national American Choral Directors Association convention in Los Angeles, and at the White House.

Mrs. Berner has prepared Concert Choir for numerous performances with the St. Louis Symphony under conductors David Robertson, Ludwig Wicki, Peter Oundjian, Hans Vonk, Eri Klas, David Amado, David Zinman, Ward Stare, Scott Parkman, Robert Kapilow, and Edwin Outwater, and Erik Ochsner. Mrs. Berner has conducted the young singers in performances with the Bach Society of St. Louis, the St. Louis Holiday Brass Ensemble, and the St. Louis Chamber Chorus, plus featured broadcasts on KFUO Classic 99, and on international tours to Australia, England and Wales, Austria and the Czech Republic, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

In June 2010, the young artists of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs’ Concert Choir appeared at Carnegie Hall and performed as one of two featured choirs in the Ensemble Debut Series of the National Children’s Festival Chorus. The ensemble performs regularly with the St. Louis Symphony and performed Shore’s The Lord of the Rings Symphony and Orff’s Carmina burana this season.

Barbara Berner joined the artistic staff of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs in 1996 and was appointed Artistic Director in 1999. She serves as a clinician for Kodály workshops and has conducted state honor choirs in Kentucky and New Mexico. As an accompanist, music teacher, and choral conductor, Mrs. Berner has had the opportunity to work with young singers from kindergarten through high school in the inner-city schools of Detroit and Boston; on military bases in Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany and West Point, New York; and in the culturally diverse schools of the Washington D.C. area.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Principia College and a Master of Music degree from Ithaca College. Barbara Berner was awarded an Artist/Teacher and Master Teacher Diploma from the Institute for Choral Teacher Education, where she studied conducting with Dr. Doreen Rao, and holds an Advanced Certificate from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskémet, Hungary.

Kathleen Pottinger, Director—Choristers

Kathleen Pottinger joined The St. Louis Children’s Choirs staff in 2001 and shares the ensemble director responsibilities of Choristers with Barbara Berner. Mrs. Pottinger is the music director at Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis where her students have been accepted into the Missouri All-State Choir and the regional St. Louis Metro District #8 High School Honor Choir. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with certification to teach vocal music grades K-12 from Southwest Missouri State University, a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and has also studied conducting at the Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Her teaching experience includes elementary and middle school music in the Mehlville School District and seven years as choral director at Cor Jesu Academy earlier in her career.

Mrs. Pottinger has led Choristers on tours to New York, Nashville, Toronto, New Orleans, and Chicago, and prepared the ensemble for numerous performances with the St. Louis Symphony. In 2010, Choristers performed at Carnegie Hall as part of the National Children’s Festival Chorus and in 2005, Choristers was selected as the featured choir for “The World’s Largest Concert” produced by the Music Educator’s National Conference and broadcast to a nationwide audience of eight million viewers.

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Below is a photo from a Crossroads Celebrity Concert finale' in the past. For the July 2011 14th, 2011 concert, world renowned operetic saprano Kallen Esperian and Broadway great Lawrence Hamilton will return, representing their music genres. Ronnie Milsap will be unable to participate in this concert. We will miss him. For those Ronnie Milsap fans wishing to see him in concert, stick around Nashville for a couple of days and continue to see the sights. Ronnie Milsap will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry House Saturday July 16th.

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Every particpant in the Crossroads Childrens Chorus Festival and the Crossroads Celebrity Concert in Nashville, Tennessee is important to the overall outcome of the exceptional culminating concert. The headliner artists are so important as they share their time and talent with others. The combined childrens chorus adds a dimension to the overall sound is unmatchable. The Crossroads Orchestra, Stephen Hatfield--who tops his own field of multicultural music composition and his unique methods of teaching is like no other.

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My name is PengXin, female, 33 years old. I’m graduated from Music Education Major, Music College, Southwest University. My major is piano. I’m the music teacher and research group leader in Chongqing Shan Hu Experimental Primary School. I’m a senior teacher. Also I’m a key teacher in district. As the conductor of Firefly Child's Chorus in Shan Hu Experimental Primary School, I led the children to take part in Golden Bauhinia program performance in Hong Kong in 2010, and got the gold award. And our chorus took part in international children's rhapsody in Vienna in 2010, got the gold award, too.

The chorus has recorded the theme song of awards ceremony about “Moving Chongqing” in 2007, and gained the Gold Award of Children's Chorus in 2007, the Silver Award of Hong Kong International Youth Choir Festival in 2008, the Lark Award in the third China Children Chorus contest, the first prize in National student art festival performing activities in 2009, the gold award in Golden Bauhinia program performance in Hong Kong in 2010, and the gold award in international children's rhapsody in Vienna in 2010. They also participated in "smiling Beijing, touched China" CCTV children's spring festival television program recording.

 

PengXin is a senior teacher. She is also a key teacher in district. As the conductor of Firefly Child's Chorus in Shan Hu Experimental Primary School, she has led the group to be a premier award-winning ensemble in China.

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Firefly Child's Chorus provides the stage to every child who loves singing . Every member of chorus is just like a firefly; they get together in the palace of music and happily feel and create beautiful music . PengXin is a senior teacher. She is also a key teacher in the district. As the conductor of Firefly Child's Chorus in Shan Hu Experimental Primary School, she has led the group to be a premier award-winning ensemble in China.

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Of course, Martha Wright's initial vision and ultimate follow-through gave birth to the realization of an incredible concept; her continued hard work, musicianship, and attention to detail have in some cases been the only elements to keep this concert alive--now in its fourth season. We've applauded the children who give of their time and talent and their parents for having the insight into life that provides these choir children the opportunity to do something extra-special.

 

Martha Wright holds roses presented to her at the end of the 2009 Crossroads Celebrity Concert.

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These parents are wise enough to know that the potential full-ride scholarships that await many of these children, regardless of their chosen majors, is possibly the smallest benefit that these children take with them as a result of their participation in mtheir respective choirs--and as a result of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert life-changing experience.

 

Today we celebrate the dedicated directors, teachers, and individual members of support organizations that promote and make possible the caliber of child and youth choruses who meet time, generally in addition to regular school hours and into the sumer vacations. Though this celebration will focus on the directors of the individual choirs--each exceptional musicians themselves--it also includes all of their other associates who play support roles.

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Sylvia Pitman is the Director of the Flint Flint Festival Youth Chorus, one of the four choirs that comprise the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Choir.

The Flint Festival Youth Chorus, part of the The Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA), with more than 3,500 students, is the largest community school of the arts in Michigan, and one of the eight largest in the US. A caring faculty of more than 65 degreed artist/teachers guide and provide fun and challenging opportunities in music and dance, as well as preschool, ensemble and outreach programs, for beginners to advanced students from 21 counties across Eastern Michigan.

The FSPA has fostered a life-long love and enjoyment of the arts for thousands of its students, some even going on to professional careers in orchestras and dance companies throughout the world like the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, and Dayton Ballet.

The Flint Festival Youth Chorus is comprised of singers ages 10-17 from schools around the Greater Flint Area. These young voices rehearse musical genres from classical to pop, including music in foreign languages. The FFYC travels across the U.S. and abroad to participate in choral festivals and exchange concerts. The chorus also performs with the Flint Symphony Orchestra as part of the annual Holiday Pops concert.

Sylvia Pittman is instructor for Voice, Piano, Early Childhood Music; Voice Department Chair and the Flint Festival Youth Chorus Director. She holds a B.M.E.D. (education) from Northern Michigan University and a M.M. (performance) from the University of Michigan. She has more than 18 years experience teaching private voice, public school and directing choirs. She also works as a vocal coach for recording artists and is greatly sought as a studio musician.

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Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

Click Double Click Banner to Enlarge

Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

 

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News Release Submitted to Nashville Media. You May Forward to Other Media

Chinese Children’s Choir Performs at the Opry House

Help Raise Funds for American Tornado Victims

During its fourth season, Crossroads Celebrity Concert at the Grand Ole Opry House marks the culmination of the week long Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival. The concert will be July 14^th at 7:00 PM. The name Crossroads is derived from the broad appeal of the different music styles featured and Music City being the crossroads of music genres. The theme of the Concert is, Exploring the Common Roots of Music.

Collin Raye represents the country music genre at this year’s Crossroads Celebrity Concert. Collin Raye has had numerous number one hits and will perform ones such as Love, Me and Love Remains, sure to be as poignant as always with a large, multi-voiced children‘s choir singing backup behind him. Kallen Esperian, a world-renowned Metropolitan opera soprano, will perform a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that will take you back to a place of nostalgia, as only music can do. Longtime Broadway lead, Lawrence Hamilton, performing Wheels of a Dream from his role in “Ragtime”, always leaves the crowd breathless with his ability to express himself through the language of music in a way that words are unable to convey. The three artists will also perform together, showcasing the complimentary marriage of music styles brought together in this crossroads of genres.

The award-winning Chongqing Children’s Festival Chorus, from the anterior of China will make its United States debut as part of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus. The chorus will sing both individually and as back-up to the genre artists.

Another unique aspect of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert is the combined international children’s choir accompanying these artists in up to six part harmony. The Crossroads Celebrity Concert Chorus will perform alone as well. Four noted children’s choirs comprise the combined choir. The award-winning Chongqing Children’s Festival Chorus, from the anterior of China will make its United States debut as part of the Crossroad Celebrity Concert Chorus. The chorus will sing both individually and as back-up to the genre artists. The ethereal blend of classically-trained young voices adds a dimension to the performances seldom heard in popular music. This also underlines the universal nature of music stressed by the concert theme regarding the Common Roots of Music.

The other participating choirs include The Saint Louis Children’s Chorus, the Flint Festival Chorus, and the West Tennessee Youth Chorus. The West Tennessee Youth Chorus, under the direction of Martha Wright is the host choir for the festival and the concert. Martha Wright is also the producer of both events. The four choirs combine during the week leading up to the concert to polish music that they have already learned during their individual home performances. These are children’s voices at their best.

Noted Canadian multi-cultural music specialist, composer, and conductor, Stephen Hatfield, will rehearse the combined choirs as they meet at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort for the Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival. Well-known Nashville musician Russell Davis will accompany the Crossroad’s Celebrity Concert Chorus both during the festival and during the concert.

Although the choir participants rehearse each day for six or more hours, fun activities around Nashville are also included for their enrichment and enjoyment. A riverboat dinner cruise aboard the General Jackson and an evening of line-dancing are two of these scheduled events. The festival participants will have time to shop and see Nashville too, as this is the first visit to the city for most of them.

Members of the Nashville Symphony make up the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Orchestra. Steve Patrick of Nashville is the orchestra organizer. WSM FM Radio Station’s Josh Connor will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Concert. Connor is himself a musician, so he brings his local color to the concert with his introductions and commentary.

As a music educator, Martha Wright expresses being put off by what she calls music snobbery she has sometimes noted among various styles. Wright also emphasizes six areas of focus during the events she produces.

The six areas of focus emphasized by Martha Wright include: note-reading for the voice, ear-training, harmonizing, healthy vocal techniques, touring and performing, and service through singing.

A great opportunity has presented itself to exercise all of these areas of focus during this year’s festival and concert.

Martha Wright explained, “We have this fine concert. It really is a professional production as anyone at the Grand Ole Opry House or the Ryman can tell you [due to the flood, the performance last year was moved to The Ryman Auditorium].”

“The idea is to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these young performers to share the stage with professional musicians and to see how a professional concert production is put together.”

“Many of these young choral singers will attend college on music scholarships and go on to become our celebrity artists of tomorrow. They will certainly have a greater appreciation for all kinds of music. And they won’t be music snobs” Wright giggles.

Wright explains the unique opportunity for these youngsters to serve through their gift of music.

The concert has a wide audience appeal and is sure to be enjoyed by all who attend. It’s perfect for families too.

We stress service by inviting various groups of seniors, disabled veterans, military families with members deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan, and others we view as deserving “special consideration”.

“And with all the tornadoes and storms this spring we have decided to donate any profits after expenses for ticket sales to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert to the tornado relief efforts.”

“When virtually a whole town where I first taught music in the public schools was virtually leveled by a tornado this spring—and after being adversely affected by the Nashville flood last year—how can I possibly forget the tornado relief efforts.”

“The community has a great chance to attend one of the best concerts they will ever have opportunity to and have it benefit a worthy cause.

Friends of Young Musicians, the nonprofit fundraising arm of Martha Wright’s music education endeavors, was created specifically for situations as this--helping young musicians achieve their aims when all of their own efforts are not sufficient. Martha Wright feels that through development of music skills, youth learn to work hard and develop a will to succeed.

“It is those who have suffered unforeseen hardships the rest of us will probably never encounter who are benefited from these funds.”

It is through the Friends of Young Musicians that the ticket funds-will be awarded to young musician(s) affected by this season’s storms.

If you know of such storm-related circumstances, Wright encourages you to contact her by email at info@CrossroadsChildrensChorusFestival.com

For Special Needs Group Tickets please email Info@CrossroadsChildrensChorusFestival.com

Regular Tickets for the Crossroads Celebrity Concert are available through Ticketmaster 615-255-9600 or Opry.com. Seats are $65 and $53

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Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 

Click Double Click Banner to Enlarge

Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Also See Additional Artists at the Crossroads Celebrity

 

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.

_______________________________________

Click the following link to learn more about . . .

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The First two days of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Festival--Amazing!

Here are just a few pictures from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort where the Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival is taking place. This is where the combined children's choirs are polishing the music unter multi-cultural specialist Stephen Hatfield's baton. This international mass choir will back up the other artists at the Crossroads Celebrity Concert at the Grand Ole Opry House Thursday night. Also, try this facebook link. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Crossroads-Childrens-Chorus-Festival-Concert/127540013938318 

I would like to share an excerpt of a personal e-mail I received from Martha today. I just felt I should share a bit of Martha's email so that readers may sense the spirit of  both this festival, and of the lady behind it all. Read quickly as I will surely be censored. Martha said the following.

"Pray for the Chinese children and their leaders to overcome their jet lag today Stephen [Hatfield, who is rehearsing the combined choir] has done very well; the children need breaks due to the jet-lag, but it is a lot of music. You will marvel at how the translation has worked so well. Stephen does those things that make his teaching so effective with children, relating his stories and examples to other things, the world and science, to music, and the translator translates. And they understand.

 

"AND THESE CHILDREN [the Chinese choir] HAVE COME AMAZINGLY PREPARED. [Due to the long process invloved in them getting approval and visas, etc, the Chinese children had a VERY short time to learn their music.]

 

And the English words are coming little by little. You can see the lights turn on as they rehearse more and more the words that they have only been exposed to so briefly. But they are such good musicians--and the sound this year is crystal clear and beautifully on pitch. Stephen told them [the combined choir during rehearsal] that Chinese-speaking people have more [people] who have perfect pitch because of the different inflections they have in their language . . .  It [the combined choir] is a very pleasant sound that only God could have inspired .  . . The St. Louis choir has a beautiful blend and tone . . . Flint [the Flint choir] has such heart and emotion and love for the music and what they are performing . . . WTYC, though relatively few in number,  has been a backbone of the sound as usual [they are the host choir] . . . I think everyone feels it as I do. They [all of the children] are enlightened by the sound that brings us to a higher thought of what can be--that we can have this inner peace when there is love.

 

The [one of the] choir manager has been helping one of the Chinese children. She turned to her yesterday and said "I love you."

If there is ever peace on earth, it will come through the children's voices. We have had peace, and I wish the whole world were here to feel how it is the better way-the peace that "surpasseth all understanding".

I told Stephen  yesterday that a higher power has been inspiring this. That only a higher being could bring us a Chinese choir in the way it happened . . . .

Each choir also performed special pieces from their regular repertoire for the other choirs. These pictures are primarily of the Fire-fly choir from Chongqing. Others will be posted as time permits. You may also wish to read the previous posts for this blog. You can see more photographs on the following posts and even more on our Facebook page for Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival . Thank you, Sara and Martha from the Crossroads Staff, for the great pictures.

One of Martha's assistants at the festival assistants, Sara, said of the festival's General Jackson Riverboat Cruise on the Cumberland River, she could not even tell that there is a language barrier between the kids.

 

“It is those who have suffered unforeseen hardships the rest of us will probably never encounter who are benefited from these funds.”

It is through the Friends of Young Musicians that the ticket funds-will be awarded to young musician(s) affected by this season’s storms.

If you know of such storm-related circumstances, Wright encourages you to contact her by email at info@CrossroadsChildrensChorusFestival.com

For Special Needs Group Tickets please email Info@CrossroadsChildrensChorusFestival.com

Regular Tickets for the Crossroads Celebrity Concert are available through Ticketmaster 615-255-9600 or Opry.com. Seats are $65 and $53

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Please click here to receive our countdown posts daily; a prize-link awaits those who come back early and often; but you must hunt for it! Ha!

"Each ticket purchased benefits Nashville's neighboring tornado victims along the Tennessee/Alabama border. Please be generous--buy gift tickets for everyone you can."

 

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Suitable for all audiences this professional concert features a variety of world-class artists from various musical styles coming together for one orchestrated evening you will not soon forget.

Also See Additional Artists at the Crossroads Celebrity

 

Country star Collin Raye joins Broadway song-and-dance legend Lawrence Hamilton, world-renowned opera great Kallen Esperian, and the Crossroads Orchestra. Performing behind these artists, the Crossroad's Children's Chorus backs the artists with angelic harmonies. This combined choir is comprised of the best child and youth voices in the world.  

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Click the following link to learn more about . . .

http://childrenschoirs.typepad.com/crossroads_celebrity_conc/crossroads-celebrity-concert-cooperative-banners.html

Just think of this. These are kids who could be doing virtually anything with their time this summer. They have chosen to devote their time and energy doing something they love, music training, and using their talent, time, and money to prepare and perform at the Crossroads Celebrity Concert from which profits from the ticket sales will provide assistance to recent tornado victims. These children, parents, directors, and Producer Martha Wright should be applauded for making this event possible.

 

Chorus is Martha Wright's Greater Memphis Area choir. The WTYC is also the host choir for the Crossroads Childrens Chorus Festival, which is held during the week leading up to the Crossroads Celebrity Concert--July 14th, 2010.

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  Click to learn more about . . .

More Crossroads Celebrity Concert Musicians

The Crossroads Celebrity Concert features the best-of-the best. Russell Davis, the Crossroad's concert's pianist, is no exception. Crossroads Celebrity Concert is fortunate to have Russell participating, not only during the concert, but during the week of the Crossroads Festival leading up to the concert. It is no wonder that Russell Davis is in such demand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Russell Davis was the music director for the music theater program at Belmont University where he was a vocal accompanist and coach for fifteen years . In addition he currently serves as accompanist for Harpeth Hall, University School, Pope John II and Oak Hill Schools, Nashville Children’s Theater, Tennessee Repertory Theater and is music associate/keyboardist for First Baptist Church Gallatin and The Jewish Temple in Nashville.

 

Russell is also a music director for  Celebrity Norwegian Cruise Lines and featured artists with the International Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival. He has performed with artists such as Amy Grant, JoeDee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, Jars of Clay, Carrie Underwood and Broadway’s Sutton Foster, to name a few. Russell'sw music is featured in the movie “Four Christmases”. Russell released his third solo CD in 2010 titled “Stolen Time”.

 

A native Nashvillian, Russell Davis is a performer, arranger, and composer and is one of  Nashville’s most accomplished pianists, working with a wide array of artists and styles.  Davis has produced over twenty recording projects for vocal and instrumental artists including five solo projects and is a featured artist on the Green Hill Music roster. Davis has performed with artists such as Amy Grant, JoeDee Messina, Ronnie Milsap, Jars of Clay, Carrie Underwood and Broadway’s Sutton Foster, to name a few.  His music is featured in the movie “Four Christmases”. Russell released his third solo CD in 2010 titled “Stolen Time”

 

Russell is the kind of guy you need to keep things real. He has a very forgiving personality and often elevates the mood of those with who he is mixing or working with. One might not guess how really serious a musician Russell is because he doen't seem to take himself too serious I'm not saying that Russell is not serious. To be as accomplished a musician as he is, Russell has got to take his work very seriously. It is just that he makes his work seemso effortless, and seems to enjoy it so much--that you just could never guess how hard it is to be so good.  

  

"Nashville is at once such a fun and playful city and such a serious music capital. NasvilleIS is Music City. The festival and concert are well-named, for Nashville really IS  theCrossroads of Music where the common roots of all music genres can be explored."

 
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Thanks to Josh Conner for agreeing to Help us by announcing at the Crossroads Celebrity Concert.

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Posts will be made both today and tommorrow so please return soon.

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's almost Show-time for the Crossroads Celebrity Concert

We are down to the wire. The G.O.O. House holds a very large crowd. We still have plenty of seating available. I, The Crossroads Concert Blog, am decalring the following groups and individuals to be allowed free- passage to the concert. Proper Identification will be required at the box-office or at the door. AND Th

HERE ARE STIPULATIONS FOUND BELOW.

There's not a lot of time to get there and get your tickets. I can't reach the Producer and Artistic Director, Martha Wright, to inform the Box-Office.

Representatives of the Media, Students of any kind or any thing, children under the age of eighteen--no ID required, if your are willing to be called children. Family members of all ages, artists and musicians-with or without taklent,  of the media, juviniles--deliquent or otherwise, men or women--providing that you will behave, and all races.

The stipulations are simple. Raise your hand and take the following oath. Be your own witness.

I, say your own name, do hereby agree that if I attend and enjoy this concert, that I will donate whatever I think it was worth to the Red Cross, ear-marked for the relief of tornado victims. I also agree to follow this blog for the date and time of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert next summer and beyond, and/or that I will tell everyone I can about this fine Concert. 

 If I am a member of the media--I also agree to plug this concert as able throughout the year--but especially as the time approaches for hte concert next summer. If I am a professional or celebrity performer OR member of the media, I do hereby agree to accept phonecalls and not block emails received from representatives for the Crossroads Celebrity Concert next summer. (By the way, we DO pay and we are not asking for freebies. However--we will take them if you insist our artists.

You are hereby an honorary member of the Crossroads Celebrity Concert Fan Club.

See you next year.

Crossroads Celebrity Concert 2012 in Nashville, July 12th

Select Directors May Attend Free....Limited Availability...Call or E-mail Today!

1-800-2-CROSSROADS (1-800-227-6777)

www.CrossroadsChildrensChorusFestival.com

Read what others are saying about Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival:

"To sing at Crossroads is an experience of such a high caliber that it can only be compared with competing in the Olympics. When you sing on a stage like Ryman and work with artists like Stephen Hatfield, Sutton Foster, Ronnie Milsap, Kallen Esperian, and the instrumentalists, you are working alongside some of the biggest talents and the most professional musicians in the industry. It's that good." David Richie and Dail Richie, Berks Classical Children's Chorus

"The Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival is a creative stroke of genius! The mix of world class vocal artists, and an exceptional choral composer / conductor, combined with students eager and willing to learn gives everyone an experience that is impossible to ever forget. This is music education at its highest level!" Sylvia Pittman, Voice Dept. Chair at the Flint School of Performing Arts

“We have returned from the Crossroads Festival with incredible memories! Our students have grown so much - both musically and personally. Stephen Hatfield does an amazing job of bringing the music alive and engaging the children every moment. The final performance was extraordinary! Singing with the Chinese choir was a life-changing experience for our children. Our young artists will never forget singing with Collin Raye, Lawrence Hamilton, and Kallen Esperian. Collin, Lawrence, and Kallen were so generous to take the time to talk with the students about their professional careers and in answering student questions. What wonderful role models for our young musicians! Please send our grateful thanks to Russell for his amazing work at the piano and to the musicians of the Nashville Symphony who played so beautifully at the Grand Ole Opry House for the concert. Thank you for the love, dedication to excellence, and the enormous amount of time you put in all year in order to make this festival a reality. We look forward to returning in the future!” Barbara Berner Artistic Director St. Louis Children’s Choir

"I just wanted to write and tell you what a wonderful experience we had at the festival. I have arranged many trips for the choir and other groups I have been active with. This by far was the most well prepared and well run festival we have attended. I think your efforts to make this a "kid friendly" event were successful. From the selection of the artists, director and music, food and added trips – great! It was well worth the cost and the work it took to participate. Feel free to use me as a reference with any prospective choirs. I would be happy to recommend this festival. This was truly a trip and an opportunity of a lifetime. What an experience for the singers and what an emotional experience for the parents to see and hear their children on stage at the Grand Ole Opry House with artist like Ronnie Milsap, Lawrence Hamilton, and Kallen Esperian. Awesome!" Thank-you, Lee Weitz Community Christian Choir NJ

"When the word gets out about Crossroads, you will have a long waiting list." Anna Lynn Murphy-Young Singers, Ontario,Canada

"We had a wonderful time, Martha. It was a very special experience."Melissa Downes-Northland Youth Choir

“Words cannot express my gratitude for this fabulous festival. You have been extremely gracious and I truly feel inspired by your vision, leadership, and musical artistry. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to share in the glorious festival and walk away feeling that our children experienced something extremely magical. Please tell WTYC they were the most delightful hosts!” Sue Falbo and Palatine Children’s Chorus

"My son worked diligently to prepare for this amazing event. When the opportunity first presented itself he had no reference to place its significance. It was only as the concert approached did he recognize its magnitude. As a result of this experience my son is further inspired to reach for life's offerings. We, his parents, will continue to support his aspirations in all endeavors of his life. I wish I had the literary skills to express my thoughts about this experience but what I do know is that during every concert for the past 12 seasons I become emotional and shed a tear of pride and joy when I see and hear him sing."Anonymous Parent

"I just got home from an incredible choir tour to Nashville...I endorse this tour whole-heartedly...Our chorus has toured to many places, with several different tour companies, and this was, by far, the best tour we have taken. Everything ran smoothly and my singers loved every minute of it. They surely know what the singers need, as well as the directors needs, too." - Carol Aspling, Crystal Cathedral Academy Chorus

Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival is "all about the singers"! Martha Wright has found the key musical ingredients to creating a truly divine musical experience. My singers were so happy singing varied literature. The environment in the hotel made you feel you were in the rain forest - so relaxing for the Music Directors, Chaperones, and singers. -Iris Lamanna co-founder Contra Costa Children's Chorus

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for your tireless efforts, countless hours, and such caring attention to every detail—everything you did made the festival a humbling moving experience for all involved. I can’t imagine a better learning experience for our students! Not only did they grow by leaps and bounds as musicians, but the entire festival made our theme song come to life “music made together may one day heal mankind.” Please know how much I appreciate all of your extra work to make it possible for the Chinese students to participate. Their discipline, confidence, and bubbly personalities really “made” the festival for all involved. Many of our students said that interacting with these students was their favorite part of the week! Sara’s quiet efforts behind the scenes to ensure that everything went smoothly did not go unnoticed! I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for a wonderful week.” Jodi Kratzer-Choir Manager , St. Louis Children’s Choir

"From the administrative side, Martha Wright and her associates were so easy to work with during the planning phase. During the Festival, they were most hospitable, warm and calmly took care of everyone's needs. Everything was very organized, and the accommodations, venues, clinicians, activities and talent were extra special. There was a whole family feel to the festival. It is one we would definitely repeat." Sandy Warner-Contra Costa Children's Chorus

"We thank you kindly for all the work that went into the Crossroads Children's Choir Festival! There was much anticipation in NJ as the CCCC spent the year preparing. The final Nashville experience that the singers had waited for was worth the work and wait. ..The singers didn't stop singing when practices were over...(and they're still singing!) The experience for these students was one they will remember for a lifetime. What an awesome way for the singers to see the tremendous amount of work that goes into a professional production! They were blessed to learn new skills from the energetic Stephen Hatfield and to work with such kid-loving artists. The singers in my room reminisced well into the night about the encouraging words spoken to them by Ronnie Milsap, they were truly in awe over Kallen Esperian's voice and every one of our singers found Lawrence Hamilton's heart to be huge and his excitement to be contagious! The talent of Russell Davis and the orchestra made the experience truly come alive. We sure hope the CCCC gets to visit again...we've got lots of little ones who's ears have been perked from the past year's buzz about Nashville !" Kelly Lloyd-parent and chaperone

PS: "About those songs...Cullen and his older brother are singing an opera version of "What a difference you made in my life" as they do the dishes with the girls. too funny! "

"Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and foresight in facilitating this incredible choir experience. The preparation and investment yielded rewards and benefits far beyond any expectation. The children were "living the dream" learning through the dynamics of the charismatic Stephen Hatfield, experiencing the musicianship of Russell Davis, and performinhg in concert with the phenominal artisans Kallan Esperian, Ronnie Milsap, and Lawrence Hamilton. Being at the Grand Ole Opry House, and istening to their voices, accompanied by a twenty-seven piece orhestra, was a profound experience. We were WOWed to say the least! In additiion to the musical experience, new friendships emerged and cherished memories made. The Crossroads Children's Festival 2009 enriched all of us and we remain so grateful for it." Jane, Joe, and Joanna Latini

"I want to thank you for the awesome experience you have given our children (and adults too)! Our choir LOVED the Nashville trip. It was a fabulous experience and a once in a lifetime memory for them. It was so glorious to hear the all the children’s voices sing with the stars……what a thrill! Thank you for your care and concern for my Emily during the week. She hit some rough spots, but persevered as expected. She was sad to draw so much attention to herself, but it was good for her to see others care for her. Thank you for all the extra things you did to keep her safe. You did a marvelous job at the festival, Martha! What an undertaking that is! Betty Anderson asst. Director

"The children were wonderful...outstanding concert. Bravo Martha" - Kallen Esperian, Operatic Soprano

"We have made history tonight, and this is only the beginning." - Ronnie Milsap, 40 #1 Hits

"The Crossroads Festival is the perfect opportunity for young artists to learn skills in musicality and every aspect of singing. I highly support this festival Lawrence Hamilton Broadway Lead

“The festival is a wonderful chance for young performers to learn, create and explore their artistry and nurture their talent, and encourage self-expression. It is also a great opportunity for young singers to perform with artists currently working in various aspects of the industry as they learn to work collaboratively with other choirs from across the world.”Sutton Foster Tony Award-Winning Broadway Star

"Dear Martha, Greetings and congratulations on the festival. I feel a great satisfaction with how we built on the high standards of the first year. Once again the children were so extremely well prepared. The show was a monster. Great news that so many people are ready to help you with the promotion now...All the best! I was very pleased with how it all went!!" - Stephen Hatfield

"I was so moved by Stephen's energy, enthusiasm and above all, the way in which he was able to communicate with the children musically. I immediately felt so joyful that my daughter was having the privilege to work with such talent. Then came the night of performance... I, along with many others, was so moved and felt our souls when Lawrence Hamilton sang along with the children.When diva Kallen E. sang 'Over the Rainbow' with the children, the presence of magical rainbow on the stage was palpable, thanks to the lighting and the acoustic resonance of the stage. And Ronnie Milsap bringing all of us back down to earth to Nashville with 'What a difference you made in my life'. It was truly an unforgettable experience. When I spoke to my daughter about my thoughts, she said that the three professionals were truly wonderful people and that they had shared so generously and given them so much of their own insight musically and beyond. She had a blast. She is gaining so much confidence and esteem since the trip." Parent--Contra Costa Children's Chorus

Dear Martha,

I thought I would let things get back to normal before I wrote to you. I have no words to tell you what the Crossroads Children's Festival meant to me. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet with so much talent. To be in the company of people who appreciate a children's choir the way that I do was an experience I shall want again and again. My son is fortunate to have worked with the great conductor Stephen Hatfield and so many talented singers from all over. You will have my assistance with anything you need for the next Crossroads Children's Festival. You and your daughter are very pleasant people...Thank you so very much.

Floored and hungry for more,

Kimberlee Edwards

The Meaning of Crossroads

"When the glory days of summer had finally arrived near the end of May, I was not looking forward to venturing late out with friends at the movies nor was I looking forward to gallivanting in Europe or tanning at a sprawling beachside somewhere in the Caribbean. Instead, I was looking forward to choir practice. But not just any school show choir or ordinary glee club. This summer would be the second in which I would be a participant of the Crossroads Children’s Chorus Festival, a choir festival consisting of several choral students around the world to perform several scores with renowned composer and conductor, Stephen Hatfield and three outstanding vocalists each representing a different genre: Lawrence Hamilton, the lead star of Ragtime, Kallen Esperian, an eminent, local figure of the opera world, and Ronnie Milsap, a true legendary in country music. On Saturday, July 11, choirs from Canada, New Jersey, Alaska, Nashville, and Memphis gathered together to stay at the luxurious Gaylord Opryland Hotel to practice and perfect 22 pieces of music through the course of a week with Hatfield in order to perform what was expected to be an “unforgettable” show on the illustrious Grand Ole Opry Stage. Through just one week, we practiced 6 hours a day blending together harmoniously and tirelessly. What resulted? Only the sound of 100 angels singing from the golden rings of heaven. Together, several talented students from around the world connect through one of the most riveting experiences on Earth: music. Together, we make an art that is heavenly yet untouchable similar to a sculpture in that each of us, the choir directors, the conductor, the orchestra, the vocalists, and the students make up the hands of the sculptor while the actual sculpture is the music. Through our music, just like any painting or sculpture, we leave behind something special and but yet untouchable. By adding the voices of Hamilton, Esperian, and Milsap, one not only gets a sense of the choral world but also a sense of the several genres that make up all music today. By combining the unique styles together, we truly defined a concert so unique in that we were not known as 100 different singers but rather, we were one voice: perfectly blended and balanced like a timeless work of art. Together, we defined the meaning of Crossroads." Issa Basco-Student of Host Choir-West TN Youth Chorus