The Chickasaw Children's Choir consists of gifted children from the communities and surrounding areas of Ada, Ardmore, Purcell, Sulphur and Tishomingo.
The choir conductor, Phillip Berryhill, has worked with the choir on original music created specifically for them along with contemporary songs translated into the Chickasaw language.
Children learn music theory, voice and pitch. Many of the members have been with the choir since its conception back in 2002.
The Chickasaw Children's Choir has performed at many events, including:
- The Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival, 2002 - 2008
- Governor Bill Anoatubby's Inauguration Party in 2003
- Governor Brad Henry's Children's Inauguration Party at the Jasmine Moran Children's Museum in Seminole in 2003
- Commander Herrington's Party at the McSwain Theatre in 2003
- The Purcell Chautauqua in 2004
- Artrain USA Reception, Ada, in 2004
- Johnson O'Malley State Conference Banquet, Tulsa, in 2005
- Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan, in 2005
- Oklahoma State Capitol, OKC, 2005 - 2007
- Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee, in 2005
- Dedication of the Native American Studies Center, ECU , Ada, in 2005
- "Groundblessing" of the American Indian Cultural Center, OKC, in 2005
- Chickasaw Nation's Listening Conference, OKC, in 2005
- "Art Under the Oaks," Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee, 2006 and 2007
- "Cultural Crossroads Conference" reception at the Ada Arts and Heritage Center in 2006
- "Celebration of Chickasaw Art and Culture" at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, Muskogee in 2006
Eligibility
The Chickasaw Children's Choir is open to all students eight years of age or older.
Application forms are available through the Arts and Education Department and the Arts and Humanities Department, or you can complete an application online (there will be a link to application form).
For more information, contact Laura Stewart at laura.stewart@chickasaw.net or Phillip Berryhill at phillip.berryhill@chickasaw.net or by calling (580) 272-5520.