SAN ANTONIO – The Providence High School’s choir is practicing for a special performance taking place on Sept. 24.
Elaine Bir, who graduated from the school in 1977, has led the 18-member choir for 15 years. It has won awards and has been recognized as one of the best choirs in the state.
“Never thought I would be back here, but it’s wonderful. It’s been a blessing,” Bir said.
The choir’s recognitions are attributed to the hard work they put in and the closeness of the group.
“It is really like a sisterhood. They respect one another,” Bir said.
She added that the choir members leave all their drama at the door.
“It is a lot of fun to come in here. If you’ve had a bad day, just come in here,” said Esther Knodell, a senior and four-year member of the choir.
The all-girl choir is preparing to perform the national anthem at KSAT-12’s Head for the Cure 5K on North St. Mary’s on Sept. 24. They will be performing a song they have performed numerous times in front of big crowds, like at Spurs, Missions and Rampage games.
“All eyes are on you, and that song is so powerful … to represent America and our school,” Knodell said.
The girls will be performing the national anthem, a song that’s not the easiest to sing.
“It has a wide range,” Bir said.
One thing Bir does every year to get the girls to bring out that emotion when they sing the song is teach them the history of the song.
“Our flag was still there, and that is the crux of the issue,” Bir said.
Bir said they bring their own flare to the song.
“I don’t want it to sound like any other group singing the national anthem. We need to get the bombs bursting in air. I want to bring it alive, where you can feel the battle where it was composed,” Bir said.
Watch full video here: http://www.ksat.com/news/providence-high-choir-prepares-to-sing-national-anthem-at-head-for-the-cure-5k