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Mountain climbers have an old saying: You climb a mountain “because it’s there.” That is how anyone who knows about the Palm School/Barton Hills Choir would answer the question: “Why would you go see a kids’ choir at the Austin City Limits Music Festival?"
But if the “because-they-are-there” argument does not convince a few new fans to go check these kids out, then here are a few more persuasive reasons that might.
They just released their sixth CD and the kids of the Palm School/Barton Hills Choir are veterans of ACL. Before choir director Gavin Tabone moved from the Palm School to Barton Hills Elementary, the choir was known as just the Palm School Choir. Even though the faces have changed over the years, Tabone’s talented young singers and musicians are making their fourth appearance at ACL.
They released the first of their six CD's in 2003, and have collaborated with members of other ACL veterans such as Spoon, Polyphonic Spree. Michael Clay Band and Wilco. To top it off, they have shared the stage with legends Lyle Lovett and Neil Young.
What is now the Palm School/Barton Hills Choir came about because Tabone is a visionary. After moving to Austin from Cincinnatti he was playing local gigs in various bands when he started teaching choir. Tabone wanted to bring his adult musician friends together with his bright students. That is trickier than it sounds because, according to Tabone, he had to come up with music adult musicians could get excited about, and be challenged by, but that the students would also enjoy. Combine that with Tabone's love of recording music and his vision became a reality with great dividends -- the Palm School Choir received a lot of press, including a spot on the NBC Today Show.
When you see the Palm School/Barton Hills Choir you will feel Tabone's excitement about what the future may hold. As Tabone put it, "I would be extremely thrilled if any of my students became professional musicians and just as happy if they always have an appreciation of music and continue playing."
So cut out early from your Friday responsibilities, beat the crowds and take in some music that is truly unique to Austin. The Palm School/Barton Hills Choir plays on Friday, October 2 at 11:30 on the Wildflower Center stage. Be prepared to rock to tunes by the Beattles, Wilco and the Flaming Lips, as well as some original music written by Tabone. If you get a chance, high five a few of the kids and thank Gavin Tabone for planting the seeds of Austin music for many generations to come. Sometimes seeds become more than trees. If you believe in the possibilities, then they can become mountains of talented musicians who will pass along their gift.
Comments
I use to be in the palm elementary school choir and i have to say what mr. tabone did was unannounced and turned down palm. but i do have to say the kids after awile were unexceptable. i still think he should have stayed in stead of going to those white kids and making a whole new thing. and now hes at new york. well im glad i was there when we were a big hit, and the old orginal PSC. i miss those days.
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