FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (12/04)
Contact: Dr. Will K. Andress, 318-869-5235, or Lynn Stewart or Kelsey Bellamy Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120

White House Invites Centenary Choir to Sing at Holiday Reception Dec. 18; Invitation is a Record Sixth

SHREVEPORT, LA -- Spanning two presidential administrations over seven years, the Centenary College Choir has been honored with its sixth invitation to sing at the White House during Christmas holiday celebrations.

Having been invited once again this year, a select ensemble consisting of 22 members from the 62-voice choir will sing at the President's Reception on Saturday, Dec. 18, between 5:30 and 7 p.m.

"It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to sing in the White House for the guests of the first family and to be invited for the sixth time is just unbelievable," said Dr. Will K. Andress, director of the choir. "No other college choir has had this opportunity and honor."

The ensemble selection, Andress said, was based on seniority and overall choral balance. Those who will be traveling to the White House this year are:
Sopranos-- Brittany Bjerke of Grand Prairie, Texas; Amber Daniel of Vidor, Texas; Rosie Daniel of Baton Rouge, La.; Mindi DeBusk of Benton, La.; Laura Morgan of Shreveport, La.; and Rachel Scott of Pasadena, Texas
Altos -- Meredith Davis of Houston, Texas; Shelby Hunt of Lafayette, La.; Mae Mouk of Geismar, La.; Margaret Paulson of Richardson, Texas; Megan Saucier of Lake Charles, La., and Shelly Walker of West Monroe, La.
Tenors -- Jonathan Ferrell of Kildare, Texas; Marcus Jauregui of Irving, Texas; Andre Pitre of Opelousas, La.; and Codey Whitt of Joshua, Texas
Basses -- Jonny Dent of Shreveport, La.; Zach Ingrim of Grand Saline, Texas; Chris McLain of Lake Providence, La.; and Jared Williams of West Monroe, La.
Accompanists: Mandy Bourgeois of Gonzales, La., and Daniel Ley of Bossier City, La.

Alto Megan Saucier from Lake Charles considers the experience a capstone to her senior year. "I consider it a great honor to be invited to the White House to sing. This experience certainly makes my senior year in the choir memorable, " she said.

The group will arrive in Washington D.C. Friday evening, spend most of Saturday sight-seeing, perform Saturday evening, get a private tour of the White House, and then fly back to Shreveport on Sunday morning.

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