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CY singers, chaps,and staff enjoyed a smooth bus ride featuring lush, green mountains of PA and WV. Throughout the ride, CY singers began to make new friends and deepen existing ties to one another. We heard hearty laughter, observed singers sharing ear buds while listening to favorite musical theatre soundtracks, and noted many thoughtful conversations that helped ease the riders through the journey to Charleston. Festival staff greeted CY warmly upon arrival and singers were quite impressed by the accommodations and a delicious dinner in the main dining space.

Singers enjoyed their first mass rehearsal on Friday night with over 260 choristers from eight youth ensembles. Choirs from as far away as Kansas and as close as Washington, D.C. have come to share their voices. Festival director and Appalachian Children’s Choir Artistic Director, Selina Midkiff welcomed us and students engaged in high quality, inspired music making with Ruth Dwyer, faculty from Butler and one of the founders of the Indianapolis Youth Choir. Today, Saturday, singers are excited to meet Dr. Rollo Dilworth at their first 9am rehearsal.

Day 1 finished with an enthralling storytelling session by a historian and actress, Karen Vuranch. She captivated singers as she told a true story of WV settlers in the late 18th century. Singers retired to their rooms ready for rest and inspired for more excellent music-making and lessons in culture and history.

Day 1 was full of learning about ourselves as people: musically, socially/interpersonally, and historically. We are already enjoying a wonderful journey!