By Joni Smith

On Monday, March 6th students across the state South Dakota met in five different locations to celebrate their love of music.  In conjunction with Music in our Schools Month, celebrated every March, the South Dakota Music Educators sponsored the 2017 Elementary Festival Choir.

Twelve students from Dell Rapids St. Mary Elementary School participated in the choir hosted at Harrisburg North Middle School.  Before March 6th, students met two times a week for several weeks practicing their music in advance, and then Monday, Dell Rapids St. Mary students combined with over 100 other students from other schools in our region.  Choir members  worked from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. practicing their concert songs with guest conductor Dr. Shirley Neugebaur-Luebke from the Sioux City Community Youth Choir in Sioux City, Iowa.  The day concluded at 3:30 with a wonderful concert in the Performing Arts Center.

Students participating in the choir were: Aston Carder (4th grade), Addison Libis (4th grade), Danika Deuter (4th grade), Megan Geraets (4th Grade), Jaycee Tebay (5th Grade), Makenzy Barbee (5th Grade), Lucy Swift (5th Grade), Wyatt Geraets (5th Grade), Briar Hansen (6th Grade), Ella Swift (6th Grade), Brandon Weiland (6th Grade) and CJ Smith (6th Grade).​