The Chattanooga Girls Choir

Day 5
Fri., July 2, 1999

Competition Day! The choir was allowed to sleep later than usual this morning, since breakfast was not served until 9 a.m. After breakfast, Mr. Huey announced the times for the day's competition. Concert Choir (grades 4-9) would compete in the Folk Song category for Junior Choirs in the morning, and the Grace Moore Singers (grades 10-12) would compete in the Folk Song category for Senior Choirs in the afternoon. The plan for the day was that one choir would tour the town while the other choir competed.

That morning, the Concert Choir sang very well and missed getting first place in their category by 1 point. However, their 85 points entitled them to go on to the finals for Junior Choir of the Festival. At the finals, the girls sang their hearts out. (As their rehearsal chaperone, I can tell you that I've never heard them sound better. They were so wonderful they brought tears to my eyes!) In the end, however, a somewhat showier choir left with the big prize.

In the afternoon, our Grace Moore Singers wowed the judges with their harmony and enthusiasm, taking home first prize in their category! The Senior Choir finals would not be held until after dinner, so the choir nervously waited until 7:30 for their last competition. They were the last choir to sing, and again they were wonderful. In spite of this, a large and very professional mixed choir from Texas was the overall winner. (They sang "Dixie" as an encore, to the applause and cheers of our own 'southern belles'!)

After the competition, the girls went to a 'Barn Dance' at the Bournemouth International Centre. They danced and laughed and met other singing groups and generally had a great time. By 10:30 we were back at our hotel. Tomorrow morning we will explore the town of Poole, followed by an afternoon at the beach for the girls and a relaxing time for the chaperones (most of us get a 'free'afternoon!). The choir also has a performance tomorrow evening.

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Mandy (still asleep?), Virginia, Laura, Alexandra, Emily, and Hillary enjoy a full English breakfast at the Durley Dean Hotel.

The Concert Choir singing in the preliminaries.

The Grace Moore members Faith, Elsie, Carol, and Betsy celebrate their victory with their tour guide, Malcolm.

At the Barn Dance.

Casey shows Mr. Huey how to line dance.

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