Twelve First Mennonite Church youth participated in the Mennonite Youth Choir Festival March 11-12 at Goshen (IN) College, under the direction of Hal Hess, a retired music educator and administrator.

Open to all students in grades 3 through 9 from any faith community, the festival culminates in a Sunday afternoon concert. The children prepare for the festival by listening to music and learning the sheet music sent to them. The Bluffton youth also prepared by rehearsing the music together during sessions with Laura Hartzler, director of FMC’s children’s choirs.

FMC participants included (see picture) front from left, Ethan Blount, Ellie Hartzler, Grace Paquin, Ana Neufeld-Weaver, Ellie Nickel, Rebecca Estelle, John-Paul Yoder and Ethan Nickel. Back from left, Patrick Estell, Theo Andreas, Benjamin Hartzler and Kaleigh Coffman.