Bigfork High School choir featured in PBS broadcast

The Bigfork high school choir will be among the 13 Montana high school/middle school choirs featured on Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m. in internationally renowned composer/producer Tim Janis’ 7th “Celebrate America Across Montana” special on Montana PBS.

The show will stream online worldwide at the same time. Tim Janis will be in the studio when the program airs.

Several songs in the upcoming broadcast, such as Kurt Bestor’s “Prayer of the Children,” Tim Janis’ “Move Mountains”; and traditionals such as “We Shall Overcome” and “America the Beautiful,” and “Amazing Grace” are topical for a nation grieving for recent school shooting victims.

Directors can choose songs from a pre-approved “Celebrate America” index, or they can perform a song written (or arranged from the public domain) by the director or a talented student if it is first approved by Janis.

“Celebrate America” is an all volunteer program designed by Tim Janis, PBS and music education leaders to give music education students the opportunity to record with professionals in a LIVE television studio and share their performance with a wide community on public television. Some schools give honors credit for participating in Celebrate America. Students can also list their participation as a community service on college, grant or employment applications.