At 50 years old, Fairfield’s Choraliers continue winning honors

The sound of music continues to ring loud and melodic from Fairfield High School.

The Butler County high school’s nationally famous show chorus – The Choraliers – just added to their already impressive list of honors by grabbing the Grand Champions award at the Wapakoneta, Ohio show choir competition earlier this month.

It was a fitting way to celebrate the teen youth group’s 50th anniversary, which has included dozens of top performances in international and national competitions over the years including the 2012 World Choir Games held in Cincinnati.

The show choir, which is honored with road signs leading into the city, is a source of pride beyond Fairfield Schools into the entire community, said Fairfield Mayor Steve Miller.

“They have placed Fairfield on the map over the years due to their outstanding efforts and awards in winning almost all competitions where they compete,” said Miller.

Emily Antonelli, director of the Choraliers, said the group is “a really important part of the community.”

“There have been members of the community for the last 50 years who have come out in support of our program and they will come up to us at our shows and congratulate the kids. There’s a family feeling to it, even if they never met each other,” said Antonelli.

“It really brings the community together,” she said.

Fairfield senior and long-time Choralier member Allie Harbaum has seen that bonding first hand.

“It’s so good for the community,” said Harbaum, who is dance captain of the Choraliers. “People definitely know about us and as the years have gone on people are starting to appreciate it more and more.”

Fellow senior and Choralier Austin Kearns joins the chorus of appreciation for community support.

“It’s really awesome considering that most school-related things you hear about are sports related but you rarely hear about the arts programs. But people come to Fairfield and say they have heard about our show choir and it’s great to hear that from strangers,” said Kearns.

Miller echoed their sentiment.

The Chorliers’ “history and tradition has been carried on throughout their existence and our entire community looks at this group as one our dearest assets.”

The Fairfield High School Choraliers will celebrate 50 years of entertaining during a special event April 26.

All former Choraliers are invited to the dinner and special performance at Jungle Jim’s Oscar Event Center. Tickets are $40 per person or $37.50 for a group.

For tickets and more information, email fairfieldchoirs@yahoo.com.

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