Before the semester is over, take a break from studying for finals and go see ISU’s children’s choir, the Singing Redbirds, perform.

The ISU Singing Redbirds is a children’s choir designed for all children who love to sing.

“ISU Children’s Choir is made up of 18 third through sixth grade boys and girls who meet once a week,” Melissa Miller, choir director, said.

The Singing Redbirds perform two or three times each semester. Singers usually learn between five and eight songs per semester that range in difficulty and music concepts.

“We will be singing many different styles of music, and we do have two holiday songs,” Miller said.

The choir sings various styles of music and will use many languages. 

“The choir will do at least one folk dance, and we’ll invite parents and audience members to join us for a folk dance finale,” Miller said.

The singers use singing games and folk dances to enhance the choral rehearsals.

“We’ll be singing a traditional folk canon called ‘Derry Ding Dong Dason,’ a Celtic piece called ‘Manx Lullaby’ and a holiday song called ‘Winter Light,’” Miller said.

The concert is at 6 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 6 in Kemp Recital Hall.

Brian Jarocki / Daily Vidette Photographer: The Singing Redbirds rehearse Thursday in preparation for the Music of the Holidays concert at the Center for Performing Arts. Melissa Miller, choir director, said, “We will be singing many different styles of music.”

“The concert is free to the public with a short cookie reception following the concert,” Miller said.

Miller is also the artistic and music director of the Millikin University Children’s Choir Program and Conductor of Concert Youth Chorale.

She holds a Master’s degree of music in music education and has taught at all grade levels including pre-K and collegiate courses.

Miller has dedicated her career to music learning and performance and she challenges musicians of all ages to become independent musicians.

“Another thing you might want to know about the choir is that in addition to learning choral music weekly, we work on music literacy skills such as rhythmic and melodic sight reading,” Miller said.

Miller is proud of her students and is excited about this concert.

“The choir has worked very hard and I think most people are shocked at the level of musicality these children produce. We hope to see everyone there,” Miller said.