Ellijay Elementary chorus students received a special honor when they traveled to Atlanta to sing at the State Capitol for Speaker of the House David Ralston.
In May of this year, the EES chorus performed the national anthem at a Braves game, and Speaker Ralston shared the video of the students singing to his Facebook page.
Shortly after, EES Choir Director Katie Mayfield contacted Holli Pitcock, Speaker Ralston’s director of constituent services, to see if there would be a time they could perform for the Speaker at the Capitol.
Singing three Christmas songs, “In the Spirit,” “Jingle Jive,” and “Christmas Jubilation,” the students had an extraordinary time.
“Most of the students had never been to the Capitol, it was an amazing experience,” said Mayfield.
“We were allowed to go into the chamber and sit where the representatives sit. We then got to talk to Speaker Ralston and the students got to ask him questions.”
Finishing up the trip, the students were given a tour of the Capitol, and on the way home, they made a stop at the Varsity for lunch.
The EES Chorus is an auditioned group led by Mayfield and assistant director Deanne Stenberg. The group consists of 45 members, and they rehearse once a week after school.
This group has been invited to sing the national anthem again at the Braves game during the 2020 season.