Performing on the big stage

Singer and producer J.D. Steele came to I.J. Holton Intermediate School on Wednesday to teach a song to a MacPhail community choir, but he wasn’t told the choir would be compromised of third- and fourth-graders, he said after the rehearsal.

He said he enjoyed working with the kids and couldn’t wait to see them again next week.

The students eagerly listened and watched Steele as he taught them words and actions to the song, “Hold On,” written by his brother.

The room full of third- and fourth-grade students made up the Children’s Community Chorus, which has been invited to perform with 200 other students and adults in front of a crowd of nearly 1,000 at the MacPhail Luncheon fundraising event in Minneapolis next Tuesday, May 3.

They will also sing two exit songs as their own group at the end of the luncheon.

The concert is a continuous one hour performance of various choirs.

Choir Director Lorene Strobel said the students are excited for this. Sonia Larson accompanies the students on piano. They direct about 50 to 55 kids.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity,” Strobel said. “Especially since it’s a brand new program, it’s good to honor the kids’ hard work and commitment to the program.”

Steele is apart of The Steeles singing group, five siblings who have been singing together since they were children. They grew up in Gary, Indiana, down the street from Michael Jackson, Steele said.

Austin Community Project Manager for MacPhail Cheryl Collins said the Children’s Community Chorus has been in place for the last 15 months.

“The kids need a lot of support and choir is able to help them, especially ones still learning English,” Collins said.

The students said their favorite things about choir are singing, learning the songs and performing at concerts.

“It was a wonderful magical moment we had today,” Strobel said. “They are excited.”