Suburban Choir to Perform at White House

Palatine High School Concert Choir got invitation last week

The Chicagoan in the White House will be getting some hometown holiday cheer next week when the Palatine High School Concert Choir pays a visit.

About 90 students and chaperones are to depart Saturday on two buses heading toward Washington.

Two groups of 25 students will get to sing at the White House on Dec. 21 as part of the White House's annual Christmas Open House. The entire choir will also perform other places in Washington, including the World War II memorial.

"When (Choral Director Steve Sivak) first announced it, we were all worried because only 50 kids can go," senior Kylen Sandquist told the Daily Herald. But now that everyone can go, "It is exciting that everyone can at least go and support each other."

Sivak said he received a call extending the invitation just hours before a holiday concert last week and surprised the choir with the news with an announcement during the show.

Among the songs the choir will perform are "Jingle Bells," "This is That Time of the Year" and "Stars I Shall Find."

Palatine High School Concert Choir sings The Star Spangled Banner at Oct. 2, 2009 Homecoming Game:

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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