North Dakota Governor Hoeven's Band and Chorus

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2008

Contact: Don Canton or Jody Link
701.328.2200

HOEVEN ANNOUNCES 2008-2009 GOVERNOR’S BAND AND CHORUS

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the Lewis and Clark Berthold High School Senior Band and the Jamestown High School Choir have been selected to serve as the 2008-2009 Governor’s Official State Band and Chorus. Both organizations will perform during the Joint Session of the 61st North Dakota Legislative Assembly January 6 in Bismarck.

“The Lewis and Clark Berthold High School Senior Band and the Jamestown High School Choir are two very impressive organizations that will represent the state of North Dakota with pride and enthusiasm,” Hoeven said. “As Governor’s Band and Chorus, they exemplify the outstanding musical talent that exists in schools and communities across our state.”

The Lewis and Clark Berthold High School Senior Band, under the direction of Dawna Helfrich, is comprised of 42 students from grades 10-12. In addition to playing at various school and civic events, the band has performed on tour in various U.S. and Canadian cities, including Minneapolis and Winnipeg. Individual members have been selected to participate in honor bands across the state such as Minot State University’s Northwest Festival of Music, Dickinson State University’s Northern Plains Festival of Music and the North Dakota All-State Festival.

The 110-member Jamestown High School Choir is directed by Cheryl McIntyre and performs for numerous school and community events, including festivals, contests, nursing homes, senior citizens banquets and veterans programs. Choir members have traveled to Washington, D.C. and New York City and have performed at venues such as the Statue of Liberty, the United Nations and St. Paul’s Chapel near Ground Zero. Several members of the choir have earned star ratings at regional and state music festivals and have been selected to participate in state, regional and national honor choirs.

The Governor’s Band and Chorus were selected from applications submitted by school and civic groups from across the state based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. The band and chorus may be invited to perform at official state functions held throughout the year.


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