The Lebanon Community Chorus will present the annual pops concert “Childhood Lessons for Life” under the direction of Paul Rowton of Sweet Home at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, at the First Assembly of God on 726 W. Oak Street in Lebanon.
Eight of the 42 people involved in this chorus are from Sweet Home.
“My first half of the concert is about the child in us as adults – fun,” Rowton said.
“My main theme is in the second half, dealing with how we treat kids who are the future of our world.”
This program will highlight both the hopes and dreams of childhood and thought-provoking selections about the needs of children around the world. Songs about toys, Winnie the Pooh and the Muppets, along with favorites from Disney and “The Sound of Music” bring childhood to song.
The second half will include songs of reflection about children, including “Children will Listen,” from “Into the Woods” and “Evening Prayer” from Hansel and Gretel.
The concert will finish with a message to protect children in “Prayer for the Children,” written by Kurt Bestor for the children of Kosovo and “Bless the Beasts and the Children” from the movie of the same name.
Ed Knox will be a guest performer, kicking off the second half with the country song “Watching You.”
Lyrics will include lines such as, “Careful what you say. Children will listen,” Rowton said. “The highlight of the day will be ‘Prayer for the children,’ which is one of the most touching choral pieces in the last 20 years.”
Because he plans to undergo knee replacement surgery next winter, this will be Rowton’s last performance as director of the Lebanon Community Chorus, he said. “However, I will continue to direct the Sweet Home Singing Christmas Tree.”
The chorus has recently entered a partnership with the Lebanon Schools Foundation to use chorus funds to benefit music education in Lebanon schools.
This collaboration supports the mission statement of the chorus, “Benefiting the community through musical excellence.” Music is a key component of a child’s education and is especially important to children early on.
The Lebanon Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1997 by an independent group of community members.
Its aim is to benefit the children of Lebanon schools by supporting and enhancing their educational experience.
The chorus and foundation have entered a three-year agreement to offer grants to certified music teachers in the Lebanon School District.
These grants will be for music specialists working with the music teachers or collaborating on music activities in the classrooms.
Grants will also be available to high school vocal music students who are sponsored by a district music teacher to attend specialized training or events.
The chorus will set aside funds from every concert to support this fund.
People who would like to make a tax-deductible donation may call the foundation, 884 Park St., Lebanon, at (541) 259-1201.
Admission is $8 for adults $5 for students and seniors.
Tickets are available at the door.