CHILDREN'S CHOIR CONTESTS THOUSANDS SING FOR IYC

Thousands of children across the globe sang in celebration of their Year, in children's choir contests conducted in conjunction with October U.N. Day activities.

"This Is My Year" by Sri Chinmoy was chosen by the organizers of the competition, who invited choirs to enter their cassette tape recordings of the piece.

First place winners in the contests were

• the Fifth Grade Choir at Canton Street School in Wharton, Texas, U. S.A. and
• the Junction Park Primary School Choir in Brisbane, Australia.

National Champions: The Fifth. Grade Choir at Canton Street School, Wharton, Texas.

 Following are a few selected quotes from teachers whose choirs participated, as well as the music.for "This Is My Year."

"Concerning- the music of This Is My Year. I thought the words were very relevant to today's children . I felt that the song was a good learning  and a very renewing experience for the children .. .  I felt like the song had a good spirit to it. The children enjoyed it very much.

"We thank you for letting us have the chance in this competition. We feel that if we do not win , at least we have tried and we have expanded with the children's knowledge that this is their year and that we are try ing to do something new and enriching and special for them."
- Bonita S. Reed, James R. Allen School,
Brandenburg, Kentucky

"Thank you so much for the use of this music. It is a pleasure to be involved in something as global and worthwhile as this project. With regard to the text - well, all I can say is that it was written by someone with the greatest insight and understanding possible."
- Kay Bollom, Canton Street Elementary School,Wharton , Texas

"My congratulations to Mr. Chinmoy for creating an excellent song . This has been a n educational experience for all of us. We have enjoyed learning  and performing this special song for a special year.  The text and the music complement each other very well . . . Expressive and always interesting." 
- Nancy B. Wenger, Northside Elementary School
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

"The work is commendable beyond my ability to express.
George I. Howdyshell
Lancaster , Ohio