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By Lois Thomson

According to Jennie Nolan, the South Hills Children's Choir experienced a "little freak snowstorm" when it held a 5K fundraiser in March last year, but that hasn't deterred them from doing it again.  "We did run; people turned out and had a lot of fun, and we were surprised that we were still able to have a race."

Nolan is the founder and artistic director of the choir, which comprises youngsters 8 to 18 from the South Hills and Mon Valley areas.  This year's 5K, Soles for Songs, is set for April 1 at Panhandle Trail in Collier Township, and Nolan said, "It's flat, it's easy, and it's very pretty; there's a beautiful rock quarry and gorge right there.  The money we raise will help support the different things we're trying to do with our program, including supporting some students with disabilities."  This year one of the students is vision impaired so the choir acquired music in Braille.

In addition, because wanting her kids to have a broad understanding of music is important to Nolan, she said she "always finds a way to invite local musicians who are professionals to come and play with us" – whether a local flute teacher, a percussion and violin duo from West Virginia, or a local banjo player.  During the pandemic, Stacey Gibbs, a composer from the Detroit area, worked via Zoom with the choir on one of his pieces, Walk Together Children, and that piece is going to be included in the choir's 10th anniversary concert.

"We're always trying to find ways to broaden our kids' horizons.  I want them to see there's so many opportunities out there, and if they love to sing they can find ways to make music or pick up an instrument and learn."

The choir is planning a 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert May 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Upper St. Clair.  Nolan said musicians who have played with the choir are invited to attend, along with alumni, who will join the choir and sing at the end.  "We're planning a big birthday bash.  (Gibbs) composes spirituals and gospel music, and his Walk Together Children is a fun, lively spiritual.  The kids are really excited about it, so we're hoping to have a good turnout of alumni to join us."

The cost to register for the 5K is $30 until March 15, $40 after March 15.  To register, visit shcchoir.org/events.html.  For questions or to volunteer, send an email to solesdirector@gmail.com.

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