For the first time in three years since the 2020 pandemic, two of the Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs are going on a performance tour.

Fifteen choir members and seven adults, including five parents, will be boarding the bus at Whitneyville this Friday, May 12 and heading to Pittsburgh.

Singing will be the Children’s Concert Choir for fifth through eighth graders and the Youth Choir for ninth through twelfth graders, both directed by Thomas Putnam.

Second Generation Choir Member and Mom are Going on Trip

Among those going on the trip are Brianna, a fifth grader who just joined the choir this year, and her mom Kate O’Shea Bowers, a chaperone.

Raised in Wellsboro, Kate is the daughter of Brian and Sharon O’Shea. She joined the Hamilton-Gibson Children’s Choir in 1996, the year it was founded. She was 10 and in the fourth grade.

“I sang with the choirs through 2001 when I was in eighth grade and when I was 15 returned for the choirs’ performance tour to Prague, Czech Republic,” she said. “I also went on the performance tours to Canada and Washington, D.C. Thomas Putnam was the director.” 

Asked about her fondest memories of going on tour and performing at concerts as an HG choir member, Kate said, “The friends I made during my time in the choir. We came from all over Tioga County, and spanned several different grades and age ranges. We formed lifelong friendships through these shared experiences.” 

In response to a question about why she had decided to be a chaperone, she said, “I have 5 children. I felt this would be a great way for Brianna and I to spend time together. And I enjoy watching her and her best friend perform together. This is Brianna’s first performance tour. She is nervous but very excited.”

Kate added, “My time in HG children’s choir, and Mr. Putnam’s influence were important pieces of my childhood. His dedication to our children is unmatched in our community. I am beyond thrilled that my children have the opportunity to be part of this choir and the unique experiences it offers.”

Choir Performances Coming, Going and in Pittsburgh

The first stop on the way to Pittsburgh will be at Valley View Terrace, a retirement village in Belleville, where the two choirs will sing. “Among the residents are Larry and Jean Eckland who used to live in Wellsboro and were friends of HG,” said Putnam.

Next, the HG choristers and chaperones will tour the Flight 93 Memorial and sing.

After checking in at their hotel, the group will see the live theater production of “Madagascar” at the Benedum Center.

Saturday, May 13, the HG choirs will sing on stage at the registration area and various spots along the Walk for a Healthy Community at the Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Thousands join together to walk one mile to raise funds for over 40 area charities.

The HG group will then go to the May Mart in Sewickley, sing at places along Broad Street and eat lunch there. Local Garden Clubs sell their spring plants at this outdoor rain or shine event, street vendors offer garden-themed wares and stores and restaurants, wares, eats and treats.

Next, they will tour the Old Economy Village in Ambridge. This National Historic Landmark tells the story of the Harmony Society, one of the oldest and most successful religious communal groups of the 19th century. The choirs will sing in an acoustically perfect large meeting hall for the annual “member’s meeting.”

That night, the group will attend the production of the comedy/mystery “39 Steps” at the New Hazlett Theater.

Sunday, May 14, the choirs will tour the Heinz Chapel and sing, and perform at Graystone Manor, a retirement facility in Altoona as they head home.

Songs The Choirs will Sing on Tour and at May 21 Concert

For the performance at the Flight 93 Memorial the choirs will sing the “National Anthem,” “Because All Men Are Brothers,” “Building Bridges,” “Draw the Circle,” “If Not Now, When?” “Amazing Grace,” “We Are Not Alone,” and “Scottish Blessing.”

They will sing some of those same songs at   the other venues on the trip along with “I Wanna Be Ready,”  “Emerald Stream,” “Yesterday,” “Let It Be” and “Sisi Ni Moja.”

All Three Choirs to Sing at May 21 Concert at First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wellsboro at 130 Main Street, all three Hamilton-Gibson choirs, including Choir, Too, directed by Cheryl Hein Walters of Mansfield, will present their Spring Concert. Piano accompanist is Gary Citro.

Tickets at the door for the May 21 concert are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students, 18 and under.