Crystal Lake church's high school choirs go on their 50th Anniversary Tour this spring
First Congregational Church's two high school choirs will offer a song preview concert of the 50th Anniversary Tour during the traditional worship on Palm Sunday, April 10.
Worship is at 9 and 11 a.m. at the church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.
The choirs are made up of students, ages 14-18 from Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South and Prairie Ridge high schools.
The choirs will depart Friday, April 22, to perform at several different locations during the four-day period beginning that evening with a 7:30 p.m. concert at First Congregational Church in Glen Ellyn.
On Sunday, April 24, they will share music during Sunday services at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Chicago.
On Monday, April 25, they will perform for a local school and then conclude their tour back in Crystal Lake with their "Welcome Home Concert" at 7 p.m. Monday, April 25, in FCC's sanctuary. The public is invited to attend, and admission is free to all performances.
The Alleluia Sound Choir and Good Vibrations Bell Choir are directed by Ann Tucker, director of music. The accompanist is Danielle Cairoli and Caden Alexander will play percussion.
In addition to providing weekly music at worship at their church, the choirs prepare a variety of musical selections for their annual tour.
Alleluia Sound will sing an original composition, "Knock and the Door Will Be Opened," written in 1997 by Tom Vos to commemorate the choir's 25th anniversary.
Vos, a composer, and professional violinist grew up in Crystal Lake, attending Crystal Lake Central High School and singing in the FCC Choirs from preschool through his high school graduation in 1988. This song is now considered a signature piece for the choir. "Lord You Are Light," by John Leavitt, will be performed by the 2022 Alleluia Sound seniors: Hanna Denlinger, Will Green, Evie Irwin, and Anika Richard.
Alleluia Sound will perform "Shut de Do" arranged by Mark Hayes, with Kailey Dittrich as a soloist, "You Will Be Found" from "Dear Evan Hansen," featuring Lucian Tyndall, and "Unruly Heart" from "The Prom" with Hanna Denlinger as soloist.
Good Vibrations Bell Choir will play "Canticle of Hope" by Cynthia Dobrinski, "Fanfare and Exaltation" by Dan Edwards, and "Rejoice! He is Risen" by Cathy Moklebust for their portion of the program.
The choirs will also share the traditional "Bell Boogie" as well as "This Little Light" featuring Anika Richard, Will Green, and Hanna Denlinger.
The five decades-strong FCC high school choir tradition is evident during this song when alumni of the choir are invited to join along in singing.
For information, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.