African Children’s Choir to perform

STEUBENVILLE -- The power of music can change people's lives. Just ask the children of Africa.

A group of children ranging in age from 8 to 11 formed what has become known as the African Children's Choir. The singing group is touring the United States, marking its 40th anniversary.

And one of those stops just happens to be right here, in Steubenville.

For four decades, the African Children's Choir has been transforming lives through the power of music, education and hope. Embarking on this significant milestone, they are continuing to captivate audiences through their heartwarming performances of popular children's tunes, traditional spiritual songs and African cultural pieces.

The singers will be performing at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. The event is being sponsored by the Ohio Valley Youth Network.

Each child comes from a vulnerable background in Africa. The choir serves as a testament to the resilience and potential of Africa's future leaders. Each child in the choir has faced significant hardship, often with limited access to education. Yet, through the choir, these children gain life-changing opportunities for education and personal growth, becoming beacons of hope for their communities.

"The African Children's Choir proves just how powerful music can be," stated choir manager Tina Sipp. "These concerts not only provide hope and encouragement to our audiences, but they offer the children life-changing experiences that help shape them into future leaders."

In honor of this special 40th anniversary, the choir is inviting communities to experience their performances and be part of their mission to bring hope through music. No ticket is required, although donations are appreciated in order to continue the choir's impactful work, Sipp commented.

"The African Children's Choir is more than just a choir," Sipp continued. "It's part of a larger, international, Christian organization called Music for Life, which provides thousands of impoverished children throughout Africa with the education, discipleship and leadership skills needed to rise above their conditions so they can bring positive, lasting change to their families, communities and countries."

Sipp explained these children are experiencing things they never have had the opportunity to do. Things children in America often take for granted.

"They have already had a chance to do many fun and exciting things on the tour, including swimming for the first time," Sipp stated.

The choir visited the museum and home of President Franklin Roosevelt. They went to the beach and collected seashells. They went bowling and took part in workshops at two elementary schools where they met children their own age and played with Legos. The children had the chance to try new foods, such as pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs. They performed at West Point Military Academy and made S'mores around a campfire.

They simply enjoyed life in the United States.

The African choir has visited 10 states thus far and will experience eight more before leaving for home.

"They look forward to performing at the New York and Austin galas in October and December and going to the Grand Canyon in February," Sipp concluded. "They also look forward to their fourth visit to Steubenville since 2016. Audiences continue to be impressed by their professionalism, energy and pure joy on stage."

That visit is appreciated by those at the Ohio Valley Youth Network, stated Bobbyjon Bauman, president of the OVYN. He noted the choir's last performance was a success and he can not wait until the they can perform for the community once again.

For information, visit africanchildrenschoir.com.