There's a new children's choir in Sisters

A new choir has debuted in Sisters this holiday season - a children's choir, directed by Lola Knox.

Last September Knox, director of Sisters High Desert Bell Choir, decided to form a children's choir in Sisters. The choir is open to all kids in the community, ages 4 to 7, who love to sing.

"In the beginning it was difficult getting the kids together after school, since there were many other activities going on, and I didn't want to interfere with the choir program in the elementary school. Then Monday afternoons opened up and the choir came together," Knox said.

Knox grew up in Texas, and her appreciation for music started at a young age. She kickstarted her singing career in the church choir at age five, and shortly after joined the church bell choir.

"As a child, I remember that I fell in love with 'The Navy Hymn' during President Kennedy's funeral, and I asked my mother to teach me to play it on the piano," said Knox. "That's when my love for music fell into place."

Knox received a bachelor of arts in education with a minor in choral conducting from Texas State University. She went on to teach music to pre-K through fifth grade for 28 years before finding her way to Sisters in 2005.

Knox started out as the assistant director with a youth choir in Bend. Then when Irene Liden became director for Sisters High Desert Chorale in 2008, Lola joined the singing group, and then founded High Desert Bell Choir.

"I found that I really missed instructing a children's choir. Then when Irene requested that I find a group of young voices to sing at seasonal presentations with the Sisters High Desert Chorale, I went on a quest to create one," Knox said.

Sisters Children's Choir made their singing debut with 15 little singers in Fir Street Park on November 28, at the annual tree-lighting ceremony in Sisters.

"What a great group of kids. I'm so impressed with their good behavior and love of singing. And the wonderful support from their parents," Knox said.

"Since the children are so young, their voices are not yet developed," she noted. "So my goal is to work on theory, musicianship, and proper vocal technique as their voices mature."

Sisters Children's Choir will present their two free performances for the season, along with Sisters High Desert Chorale, at Sisters Community Church on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m.

They will also be performing during the church service for Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 21.

"I'm looking forward to many more performances with the children's choir, and hopefully soon we will be able to work on kids' show tunes," says Knox.

Sisters Children's Choir is a non-audition, non-profit choir open to all singers ages four through seven. For more information call Lola Knox at 541-390-4615 or email

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