Students to perform at the White House

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - The Marble Falls High School Chorale was selected to sing in front of honored guests at the White House Dec. 9. Normally, performers must go through a lengthy application process to win a spot, but event organizers contacted the school district in mid-October and said they did not need to send resumes or biographies. "It was pretty monumental for us," said Choir Director Bryce Gage. Yet, Gage first declined the offer, because the White House said the choir could only consist of 20 people, less than half of the chorale members.

They were not out of the running. "They came back with an e-mail a couple days later that they wanted to move the group out of the foyer, and move us to the east room," said Gage. They wanted all 44 kids to come," said Gage. They will sing for an hour and a half during an invitation-only open house reception. "Twenty-six songs to memorize is definitely pushing it," said senior Amanda Gray. Gray juggles varsity basketball with chorale practice, which has picked up over the last week.

During a typical Christmas concert, the chorale performs five to six songs. "We're practicing two times a day, two and a half hours a day," said sophomore Logan Clark. Many members are juggling sports, debate and after school jobs at the same time. It is the first year many of the students have been a part of school choir. The hard work has paid off. The Christmas songs are coming together beautifully. "We believe in ourselves," said junior Kylee Ellis. "We know we can do it."

Gage has taught his talented singers more than just stage presence over the past month and a half. "He gives us little lessons on courtesy so that when we meet people at the white House we can be proper," said sophomore Tanner Rowland. The singers do not know if they will get a chance to meet the President.

The Marble Falls High School Chorale will sing during the school Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Marble Falls High School. The concert is free to the public. They catch their plane later that night, and will have a couple of days to tour Washington D.C. before their performance. The district is covering the cost.