Hear a joyful noise

Bigfork students are singing and it's a joy to hear them.

A gifted tenor, Michael Perez, came from Washington to teach vocal music in the high school/junior high school last year. His wife, Suzanna, teaches in the elementary school. While music has been part of the Bigfork curriculum for years, the art of singing is now being taught.

Forty students are singing in the high school concert choir, 35 in the eighth grade and 45 in the fifth and sixth grades. Eighteen girls now show up voluntarily at 7:15 a.m. on school days to practice. This is just the beginning. Students realize that they are being given the equivalent of private voice training by a qualified musician, endowing them with a talent that will enhance their lives and give them lasting pleasure.

Unfortunately, crowded conditions have limited vocal classroom space and time. This is a shameful waste. Bigfork needs to cherish Michael and Suzanna who have two small sons and who have bought a home here. We are not likely to stumble on such cultural assets again. Nan Klassen volunteers as their accompanist regularly. What can we do to help?

Betty Wetzel

Bigfork