Highlands Area Rotary Choral Festival makes return after 2-year covid hiatus

One of the high notes of the holiday season is back after a two-year covid-related break.

The Highlands Area Rotary Club’s choral festival is set to hit the stage Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Highlands High School in Harrison.

It features choirs from five districts: Burrell, Freeport Area, Highlands, Kiski Area and Allegheny Valley.

“We started it as a fundraiser to eradicate polio,” Rotary member John Peters said. “All these years later, we keep it going for the kids.”

Tickets cost $5 and will be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit Rotary charities.

“I sincerely applaud the vocal music students and choral directors of the neighboring districts for helping to bring back the Rotary concert,” said Michael Zeiler, choral director at Highlands. “Music provides such a powerful sense of healing and joy. During this time of year, I think I can speak for everyone in saying how thankful and blessed we are for coming back together and showcasing our talents.”

Beth Minda, choral director at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School, said her students look forward to the event so much that, in 2015, they begged to participate — on the same day they returned from a 20-hour bus trip from Disney World.

“The kids love it and wouldn’t let us miss it,” Minda said. “We got back from Florida around 4 p.m., switched buses and went straight to Highlands. It was a full day to say the least.”

The show is an ideal way for musical students to mingle and support each other, Minda said.

Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School has been participating for at least the 24 years that Minda has taught in the district.

Likewise for Freeport Area students, choral director Tom Koharchik said.

“Freeport has been a part of this program for as long as I can remember, certainly for many years before I became the choir director here 17 years ago,” he said.

He recalled participating in the Rotary concert himself — as a student at Highlands.

“It is always the first of many Christmas concerts for me each year and sort of gets the holidays rolling,” Koharchik said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to hear other choirs and for my students to have the experience observing the other groups. I always enjoy the event immensely.”

Peters said holiday tunes usually are chosen for each of the school’s 15-minute slots on stage. At the end of the concert, students from all five schools will join together for a show-stopping finale.

“We’ve had as many as 500 kids on stage for that,” he said.

For advance tickets, contact any of the schools or call Peters at 224-7730.