On January 15, 2014, 66 students from 10 different schools in South Dakota joined in Pierre as a way to kick off what hopes to be a year-round celebration. The year 2014 marks the 200th Anniversary of Francis Scott Key writing the National Anthem. Students from Bowdle, Douglas, Edmunds Central, Gettysburg, Harding County, Hoven, Miller, Mitchell, Mobridge and Pierre all participated in the event. The actual performance was directed by Rodd Bauck, vocal director at Pierre Riggs High School.
The event was put together by Jessica Larson, vocal music director in Gettysburg. The idea came from a challenge presented By Tim Sharp at the American Choral Directors Associations Summer Conference. “He challenged each state to come up with their own way to celebrate the anniversary, and I knew we had to do something.” said Larson. With the help of Senator Corey Brown, and entire day’s worth of activities were planned for the students. Not only did the students gather to rehearse and perform, but they had opportunities to tour the capitol, sit in on the Chief Justice’s speech, sit in on legislative session and have a question and answer session with a few senators.
A video of their performance can be watched on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23Ez6VwB9y0
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