March 28, 2024

Choir auditions set for Sept. 6 and 8

The Newton Children’s Choir, also known as BETCHAW & Friends, will be holding open auditions on Sept. 6 and 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in grades 5-6 music space of Berg Middle School.

Interested Jasper County children in the third through the sixth grades may come any time during those hours and should plan to sing a simple song of their choosing. Enter the building through the main grades 5-6 entrance and look for signs pointing toward the music space.

This choir is an outreach choir affiliated with Iowa Youth Chorus in Des Moines and sings with the metro groups as well as performing locally. Rehearsals begin Sept. 12 and continue each Monday evening throughout the school year.

It is funded by the Maytag Family Foundation which allows local children to pay a minimal registration fee to participate.

The Newton choir is directed by Jane Johnson with Juli Bey serving as an accompanist.