Rotary Program: 3/08/06

Program Chairperson: Betty Francisco

Speaker(s): Bill Rodda, Administrator, Ernie Hertzog, Director of Home Life, and Patty Hertzog, Choir Director - Mountain Mission School

The 50 students in 10th - 12th grades of MMS Traveling Choir earn the right to travel through their conduct both in and out of the classroom. Since 1969, they have performed on a national and international level all over the U.S., Canada, England, Austria, and France. Such performances include those at the National Missionary Convention, The North American Christian Convention, The Eastern Christian Convention, and various civic organizations. They have appeared on TV and as repeat featured entertainment at Disney World, Disneyland, and Opryland. In one year alone, they sang by invitation before 26 governors and at our nation’s capital at the request of Virginia’s senators. Other credits include the Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts near Washington, D.C., The World’s Fair in New Orleans, La., our National Anthem at Bristol Motor Speedway for the “Food City 500", and celebrations for various Virginia legislators. The choir traveled to Brighton, England to perform for the World Christian Convention in July of 2004 and performed at our nation’s capital for the “Capitol Holiday Tree” lighting in December of that same year.

The choir’s programs are designed to appeal to a variety of musical tastes, including an inspiring sacred repertoire as well as a number of secular and patriotic numbers for civic and community functions. Whatever the song, the choir, conducted by Mrs. Patti Hertzog, seeks to focus the audience’s attention upon the person of Jesus Christ and to express the joy and love found in Him through their music.

The choir performed six songs for the Rotary Club today including “Play Me Some Mountain Music”, “Bright Sunshiny Day”, “Pieces of the World Trying to Fit Together”, “Because of Who You Are”, “He Still Loves Me”, and “My Life is in Your Hands.” After the last number, each club member showed their appreciation with a standing ovation. - JMC