The African Children’s Choir will return to Lake Travis United Methodist Church for two shows Jan. 18. The shows, at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. are free but will include an opportunity to sponsor a child or donate to the program.

 

“I’ve heard them several times now and I’ve just been impressed with their joy and their hope,” said choir director Patty Highland. “These kids all just come from terrible backgrounds — whether they are poverty stricken or orphans — to  see them sing with such hope and such joy is just a blessing. It’s a spiritually uplifting experience.”

The choir is one of three groups that travel the globe under the name African Children’s Choir. Each group consists of children who spend one year performing traditional African songs and dances, along with English-language music. After a child spends a year performing in the choir, the organization “Music for Life” pays for their housing and education until they graduate. 

“It’s really growing educated citizens for their communities back in Africa,” Highland said.

The group that will be performing at the Lake Travis church is made up of 22 children from Uganda. There are 12 boys and 10 girls who travel with 10 adult chaperones. 

The children, typically aged 7-11 attend Music for Life camps in Africa where they are able to participate in games, crafts, music and devotions. Once a child is chosen for the choir, a choir team will spend a few days visiting the home of the child to determine his or her needs and suitability for tour life. 

Once the children are chosen, they participate in a five month training program before embarking on a tour.

“They are just a great children’s choir that just shows so much joy and enthusiasm and hope for the future. On a musical level I just love them,” Highland said. 

For more information on the choir visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com and for more information on the Lake Travis performances call the church at 266-9877. The church is located at 1502 RR 620 North.