In Morgan Hill, it’s never too early to say, “Happy Fourth of July!” And, now, it’s time to begin rehearsals for this year’s twenty-first annual Patriotic Sing, which features children of our community singing songs of our country! The Sing is the opening event of Independence Day Incorporated’s celebration. It is a continuation of a Morgan Hill tradition which began in 1906 when school children would gather to sing Patriotic songs the night before the 4th of July. Children who are entering grades 1 through 7 in the fall are invited to participate in this year’s chorus. There are no fees or auditions for our singers. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn the songs of our great country! The theme of our program this year is “America, the Beautiful.” Other 4th of July festivities for families and friends include a Street Dance, 5K Run/Walk, Parade, Car Show, and Fireworks.
When I began the current Patriotic Sing in 1989, it was my intent to teach children the songs of America in order to preserve this vital part of our national heritage. Songs like “God Bless America,” “America, the Beautiful,” and “This is My Country,” should be a part of our children’s oral tradition. Our youth must learn these songs in order to hand them down to the next generation. We will also honor our nation’s troops during our performance.
Our Patriotic Sing will take place at 6:00 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, July 3, 2010, at the Britton Middle School Gymnasium. To prepare for this program, there will be practices at the Britton Gym from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on the following days:
Rehearsals are all held in the Britton Gym beginning at 6:30 p.m.:
WEDNESDAY – May 26
TUESDAY – June 15
TUESDAY – June 22
TUESDAY – June 29
FRIDAY – July 2
and, our performance – SATURDAY, July 3rd - 6:00 p.m.
Every participating child must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for him/her. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF ANY CHILD AND LEAVE HIM/HER UNATTENDED. Children should plan to attend at least three rehearsals. If you carpool to practice, please make sure a responsible adult remains with the children.
If you would like to help with this event, please let me know. We have lots of jobs available – from fundraising to decorating! Sign-up sheets will be available at each rehearsal or you can reach me by emailing allthecranes@netzero.com.
This program is our children’s gift to the community, to our veterans, and to our country. Remember to invite grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbors, and especially past and present members of our Armed Forces to our program on July 3rd. It is free to the public. We also honor our essay contest winners from public and private schools. We thank our children, parents, and our community members for their support of the Patriotic Sing. Each year our chorus grows bigger and better, as more children and their families make attendance at Morgan Hill’s events a 4th of July tradition. I can’t wait to see my returning singers, and their wonderful parents!
Karen Ann Crane – 779-0205
Patriotic Sing, Parade Float, and Essay Contest Director Independence Day, Inc. allthecranes@netzero.com
