Twelve High School Choirs Take ETV Stage for Broadcast of Musical Special “Celebrate America”

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Twelve High School Choirs Take the ETV Stage for Statewide Broadcast of Musical Special "Celebrate America"

Premieres Monday, March 8 at 7p.m.

For Immediate Release
February 12, 2010

Columbia, SC… Choirs from 12 South Carolina high schools will have the opportunity to perform with nationally acclaimed composer Tim Janis in a new musical special, "Celebrate America," premiering on ETV on Monday, March 8 at 7 p.m. (see additional airdates below).

Celebrate America Preview:

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Janis, well known for his “music with a mission” has worked on many philanthropic projects with artists such as Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Ray Charles and The New York Philharmonic. He has also produced fund raising programs for PBS with George Clooney and James Earl Jones.

His latest venture has him working with high school choirs from across South Carolina as a way to spotlight our nation's youth and pull communities together in a celebration of music that inspires. The two-hour concert features such uplifting songs as "America, the Beautiful," "Danny Boy," and "I'll Fly Away," and will air as part of ETV's March pledge drive.

The following schools participated in "Celebrate America" at ETV:
(Click on the links to see a slide show of behind-the-scenes photos from that school)

Janis, who will be live in studio for the March 8 broadcast debut, says he created "Celebrate America" to be used as a pledge-show because it benefits sstudents, schools and ETV all at the same time:

It not only gives these students a life-changing opportunity to sing before a statewide television audience, they also learn the importance of using their talents to give back to their communities

Participating schools can earn a $500 coupon that can be used to purchase sheet music when they raise 50 donations of $40 or more to support the ETV Endowment. When making their pledge, the caller must mention that they want their contribution to count towards their school's coupon. This offer, available through a partnership between ETV and Hal Leonard Music Publishing Co., extends through all five broadcasts

Each donor who pledges $40 or more and mentions their school also receives the companion CD and DVD of "Celebrate America," and a yearlong membership to the ETV Endowment

ETV and all South Carolina residents benefit from the money that is raised, which helps keep quality educational programming on the air

No matter which school they want to support, individuals can make their pledge by calling 1-800-256-8535 or donate online by clicking here.

"Celebrate America," was taped at ETV in October 2009, as buses rolled in from across the state, pulling together over 500 students from South Carolina high school music programs. Arriving well prepared, each choir was brought into the studio to record their performance for the broadcast.

"ETV really put a lot of effort into creating this special. It takes a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ effort to bring this great opportunity for students together," said Janis. "I believe the fabric of our nation is the strength found in our local communities. We need to stay connected and committed with a spirit of serving one another to the best of our abilities.”

Encore broadcasts of "Celebrate America" can be seen during the following times:

On ETV-HD:

Sunday, March 21 at 3 p.m.

On The South Carolina Channel:

Wednesday, March 10 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17 at 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 20 at 3 p.m.