Partners in Praise Choir heads to Greece
Partners in Praise held a bon voyage concert in Robbinsdale to show the community the songs they are preparing for competition in Greece.
The harmony of a beautiful song might sound effortless, but any good choir would tell you it’s anything but. Behind each number, there’s hours of vocal training and rehearsals that all go into creating the perfect blend of vocal sound.
But don’t take this reporter’s word for it. Ask a member of the choir named Harmony.
“The past three weeks we’ve had four rehearsals a week, each one two hours,” says Harmony Sullivan, who just completed her eighth grade year. The choir also meets for two hours weekly year-round. “So a lot of work has been put into this music.”
You won’t hear Harmony or other members of the Partners in Praise complaining about the grueling practice schedule. They embrace the time spent with each other.
“I consider the choir my sisters,” says Ruby Skrien, a member of the choir. “It’s fun to be able to sing that close as a group.”
“We are such a tight knit group of girls,” adds Zoe Gabor, a choir member who is in her third year singing with the group. “We sing music not just from America but from all other parts of the world.”
The extra practice goes toward a very worthy purpose. Thirty-two young women and their families will be traveling to Greece to compete in international competition. They showed off some of the songs they will be performing in Greece to a crowd of well-wishers at Peace Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale on the Tuesday night before departure.
“What I’m looking forward to is seeing the other choirs from around the world,” says Jamie Knable. “It’s rare to see so many people in one place who have such a passion for music.”
More about Partners in Praise
Julia Fahey has led Partners in Praise for 25 years. They’ve visited several international locations, giving members the chance to compete against other choirs and experience a bit of culture too.
“It’s not about if we win gold, silver or bronze,” says Fahey. “It’s about the journey, about coming together as a team, supporting and caring for each other. That is the journey and I’m excited to share this with my girls.”
Partners in Praise will compete in Preveza International Choral Competition and Greece Tour in early July.
