Pictured (l to r) are Kacie Harless (Executive Director, Appalachian Children's Chorus), Salina Midkiff (ACC Founder & Artistic Director) and Rotarian Joni Prince (Arts in Action).

The Appalachian Children's Chorus has been around for nearly twenty years since Selina Midkiff began with twelve youngsters in 1990.

"We now have 250 students in six choirs," she told Putnam Rotarians today. "And the 'satellite program' which began this year in Hurricane with 25 singers added twelve more students at midyear."

The success of ACC may have as much to do with direction and focus as talent. "We learn 'life lessons'", says Selina. "Music is the medium through which we teach children about responsibility, about caring for others, about accepting people for who they are."

Midkiff insists that every child will have an opportunity, regardless of economic circumstances. "We're not an elitist group," she says. "If a child wants to participate, we will make a way."

One young man came to her from a homeless shelter. Midkiff recognized quality in him, and promoted him into her top performing group. "After a month, he is standing tall. He looks you in your eye, and when he speaks he doesn't stutter."

Midkiff knows that perfection and excellence in performance comes through hard work and discipline. The typical schedule for ACC includes a weekly rehearsal and three concerts each year.

Her children have performed in Europe and across the United States as ambassadors for West Virginia. Fifteen ACC choristers will journey to Ireland this summer.

One of Selina's graduates recently wrote, "I am proud I am a part of something wonderful that is working to make this world a little better, one song at a time."

The ACC Cantare Choir in Putnam is under the direction of Ilse Long, choral director at Hurricane High School.

The group meets each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:00 at the Arts in Action Studio on Main Street in Hurricane. Children in grades 3 through 9 are invited to join.