African children's choir performing next Monday

Editor's Note: The article misstates the day of the event in the print edition. The choir is performing on Monday, not Tuesday.

The African Children’s Choir is coming to Rosburg next Monday.

The choir is made up of nine girls and eight boys between the ages of eight and 10 from Uganda. Rosburg is one stop of many for the choir before they return home in June, and another team goes out on the road.

Tina Sipp is the choir manager. She oversees the traveling teams and has been involved with the 35 year old organization for 15 years.

The tour raises money to provide an education for 1,000-1,500 students every year. The kids complete two semesters of school while on the road, and return to the classroom when it is over.

Once they are admitted to the program, their education is paid for through college, and they are considered members of the organization forever.

The choir has toured in the US, the United Kingdom, and Canada most frequently, but they have been all over the world performing with international stars and for some very important people.

“It’s an opportunity provided for children who don’t have a lot of opportunities but who prove to be capable and bright,” Sipp said. “They are given the skills to become self sustaining, but also motivated to give back.”

Sipp is excited about some recent changes to the program. The children recently began performing famous hymns set to African rhythms.

“It’s just beautiful,” Sipp said. “It’s a great program for everybody.”

They will wear three costumes and perform dances as they sing, including a can dance and a traditional Ugandan dance. There will also be a drum ensemble.

“People are always commenting on the spirit of the children,” Sipp said, “that is what really comes across.”

The African Children’s Choir will perform at the Valley Bible Church in Rosburg on Monday, at 7 p.m. The program is expected to last 70 minutes.