1,000 kids lift voices in song, learn life lessons in choir

By Jay Harvey

INDIANAPOLIS — When Henry Leck enters the Indianapolis
Children’s Choir rehearsal room in Lilly Hall at Butler University,
the rambunctious youngsters quickly settle down and get to
work.

Harnessing the energy of a large group of schoolchildren isn’t
an easy feat, but there’s really no mystery to Leck’s control.

For 25 years, he has led choir members in vocal and physical
exercises that produce polished performances beyond their
years.

“We’re not just singing songs,” Leck says in the ICC’s new
documentary film “Lives in Tune.” . . . “The reason we exist is to
change lives.”

Belonging to the Indianapolis Children’s Choir — which is
preparing for its 25th anniversary concert on Saturday — brings
out music’s links to life for its members.

“It prepares me for life,” said home-schooled student Hannah
Milam, 15, citing in particular the choir’s lessons of commitment
and discipline.