College’s select choral ensemble invited

College’s select choral ensemble invited to sing in France

When Variations, Pellissippi State’s select choral ensemble, sang for a delegation consisting of French government officials and educators last spring, the performers had no idea they were auditioning for a trip to France.

The choral ensemble, whose members are selected by audition, represents the College for many community functions. Now, the group will perform in France in March, and the visit will include an engagement at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The French officials met the group when they came to the U.S. to thank American troops for their role in the Normandy invasion of World War II. Normandy, in northern France, was the location of a pivotal battle on June 6, 1944. In the Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day, the Allied troops launched a massive invasion of German-occupied France that began the effort to liberate Europe.

Since 1999, Pellissippi State and the Institut Universitaire de Technologie Cherbourg, a two-year technical institute in France, have participated in an exchange program. Because of the connection, the French officials made a stop at the College during their trip.

While here, Variations sang for the visitors, who were impressed with the performance.

IUT will now host Variations for four days, and the choral group will sing at various locations, including the World War II Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. More than 9,000 American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II are buried at the site.

“We are extremely honored to be invited,” said president Allen Edwards. “This is a unique opportunity for our students to see another part of the world.”

After the stay at IUT in Cherbourg, the 34 students and six chaperones will travel to Paris and take in all the sights and sounds that time will permit.

Since the performers would already be in France, Bill Brewer, associate professor of Music and director of Variations, thought they might as well audition for a chance to sing at Notre Dame. Variations will be one of only 60 choirs that perform at the cathedral each year.

“This endeavor will be life changing for our students and chaperones alike,” said Brewer, “as we represent Pellissippi State in France and experience the French culture firsthand. We wouldn’t have this amazing international opportunity without a strong commitment from the College.”

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

For past issues, visit the Inside Pellissippi Archive.