For Immediate Release  
Contact: Dave Rose
Public Information Officer
Tel: 520-6540 Cell 337-9239
daverose@elpasoco.com
                         
El Paso County Commissioners Welcome the Pikes Peak International Music Festival
Children’s Chorale Provides Musical Prelude to Approaching Festival at Commissioners’ Meeting

Colorado Springs, July 15, 2010 – During Thursday’s meeting of the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), the Hearing Room was filled with the harmonious voices of the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, which made a special appearance to promote the Pikes Peak International Music Festival, slated for July 27-31, and received special recognition from the Commissioners as both hosts and participants in this multi-national and -cultural event. 

Commissioner Chair Dennis Hisey presented a formal resolution to attending Chorale members and staff highlighting the Music Festival and encouraging citizens to celebrate “… by attending the numerous musical and commemorative events scheduled at the end of July.” The resolution described July’s International Music Festival as “… an important expression of cooperation and graciousness for all people of different backgrounds and cultures.” It also reinforced the Children’s Chorale vision for the Pikes Peak International Music Festival to “… make the world a better place.”

Nearly twenty members of the Children’s Chorale attended the BoCC meeting — encircling and serenading meeting attendees with their theme song of 33 years, “Dream a Dream,” after which Commissioner Hisey exclaimed, “Now that is what I call surround sound!” One of the youngest performers, Rachel, introduced herself to the Commissioners and shared about the dedication of time and passion required to be a member of the Children’s Chorale, and then concluded: “This festival is a great opportunity. We’re doing what we love to do!”

Marsha Hendricks, Executive Director of the Children’s Chorale, thanked the County Commissioners for their support and extended a warm invitation for all El Paso County citizens to attend the celebration at the Pikes Peak Center and share in the “… universal language of music.” Hendricks made special reference to an original, dedicated musical ensemble that youth from all around the world will sing together — inspiring the belief that “… when people understand each other, that is the beginning of a peaceful world.”

Established in the Pikes Peak region in 2004, the International Music Festival has adopted the global theme “In Harmony,” and this year’s gathering will include youth music groups from Japan, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Australia and Russia, as well as other parts of the United States.  

Note: Highlights from the Children’s Chorale performance to the County Commissioners can be viewed on
El Paso County’s YouTube website at: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ElPasoCountyCO#g/u
The July 15 BoCC meeting — including the Children’s Chorale appearance and performance — can be seen in its entirety Friday evening, July 16, beginning at 9 p.m. on The Library Channel, Comcast 17.