Jean Paul once said, “Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life.” That being said, there will be plenty of moonlight this weekend at Northern Michigan University.

On Sunday, The Michigan Music Education Association Elementary Honors Choir will perform at Reynolds Recital Hall on the campus of NMU in Marquette.

The performance, which features 100 third through 5th grade students throughout the Upper Peninsula who were selected to perform with this elite group, begins at 3 p.m. and the concert is open to the public.

“The purpose of this event is to celebrate outstanding elementary singers, providing students with an opportunity for high quality choral learning and performance,” said Carin McEvoy, executive director of the MMEA. “The MMEA recognizes five regions throughout the state and is hosting an elementary honors choir in each region in order to make this event accessible for students throughout the state of Michigan.”

McEvoy said that by attending the performance, community members play a vital role in fostering lifelong musicianship, inspiring these aspiring vocalists with their support and enthusiasm for the arts.

“We would love for everyone to come out and support these aspiring young musicians,” she said.

The event began in 2014 but was suspended after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re so excited to finally bring this back to our state’s music students,” McEvoy said.

Conductor Thomas Blue will lead these young singers through two days of rehearsals culminating in a final performance that will include:

“Funga Alafia,” African Folk Song arr. Jill Galina

“I Am,” by Melanie Horne

“Hine Ma Tov,” by Allen E. Naplan

“To Music,” German Melody arr. by Betty Bertaux

If you don’t have plans this weekend, you should come out and support these bright young students. This is a moment for them to be very proud of, and their community should be there to cheer them on.

The MMEA Elementary Honors Choir is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the quality of music education in Michigan. More information can be found at www.mmeamichigan.org.