Since its founding

in 1978 by Fayette County High School choral director Janice Folsom, approximately

800 students have been chosen to perform with the select chorus. The auditioned

group of junior and senior students regularly performs both standard and

choral literature and show tunes.

Performances

are highly revered throughout the state and the group receives many invitations

each year to perform at special events. This year, in addition to its

regular performance schedule, the select chorus will perform at the Shorter

College Feaste of Caroles, Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service

Conference and at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

"The shows

this group puts on are as good as the ones on Broadway," said Bryant,

who is assisting with the anniversary celebration. "Janice Folsom

is just phenomenal. She built the group up and she is highly respected

in the state."

Some previous

performers of the chorus have gone on to have professional careers in

singing and performing, including a former graduate who is now working

for Juilliard School of the Arts in New York City.

Under the direction

of Folsom, the select chorus consistently receives Superior ratings at

the Georgia Music Educators Association district festivals in both performance

and sight-reading.

Having previously

taught music on the elementary and middle school levels, Folsom has been

at Fayette County High School since 1977. She is currently the music coordinator

for the Fayette County School System and serves as the fine arts department

chairman at the high school.