WINONA -- Mobile’s Singing Children (MSC) will be making a stop in Winona on Sunday, June 10 as part of their Mississippi/ Tennessee Summer Tour.
MSC consists of four choirs. The premier Concert Choir comprised of singers in fifth through 12th grade will be performing at Moore Memorial United Methodist Church at 6 p.m.
Moore Memorial, pastored by Rev. John Kramer, has a special connection to Mobile’s Singing Children. The choir’s director, Susan Hoitt, is Kramer’s sister. Both went to the University of Southern Mississippi, where Hoitt earned a bachelor’s in Music.
Being blood doesn’t mean Kramer has gotten any special privileges though. “Even being her brother, I couldn’t get her,” Kramer said with a chuckle.
Kramer went on to explain that “things like this don’t come very often to Winona.” This time, it worked out. “I hope the entire community will take advantage, not just our church members,” Kramer said.
Mobile’s Singing Children doesn’t just sing in Mobile. The group has traveled all around the United States and even outside of the country. In its more than 30 year history, the youth choir has been to Canada, Europe, The White House, Carnegie Hall and many more notable sites.
The talented, young singers hail from anywhere within a 60-mile radius of Mobile and must successfully audition to join the group.
‘‘People will be delighted with these youth. They don’t just stand and sing,’’ Kramer said. In his experience, the choir usually walks around the sanctuary and has an interactive performance. ‘‘It’s different from anything I’ve ever seen,’’ Kramer said.
Hoitt said that the choir will sing a mix of Christian and secular music on Sunday. The crowd can expect spirituals, American Folk, Broadway and classical ensembles, said Hoitt. Some famous examples are the spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” and “Songs for Les Miserables” from the Broadway play.
Kramer said he and his church members are excited to be hosting Mobile’s Singing Children. He has known for about six months that the group would be stopping by, he said. ‘’We are really looking forward to it.’’
The concert is completely free to the public, as MSC is a non-profit organization. The only thing the church has to do is feed the children when they’re done singing, Kramer joked. The church holds about 250 people and is willing to put out more chairs if necessary, Kramer said.
Moore Memorial is the second church on MSC’s list on Sunday. They will have just performed in Hattiesburg that morning. They are also due for performances in Memphis on Monday and Tuesday, before traveling back to MS for a concert in Quitman, where Hoitt grew up.
