Glenn Litke directs Golden Belt Choir
Glenn Litke is director of the Golden Belt Choir, a group of singers comprised of home-schoolers from throughout the state of Kansas. His sister, Brenda Jordan, is accompanist.
Litke said the choir gives an opportunity for home-schooled young people to participate in a large choral group.
It's difficult to pinpoint Litke's home town. Although he has a Marion address, he lives about equi-distant from Peabody, Marion, and Hillsboro and has a Hillsboro phone number.
He was asked to direct the choir by David and Carla Dennis of Salina, who have organized the group every year since 1999.
Previously, it was organized for seven years at Great Bend.
This year, 125 individuals have registered to participate, including Katie and Lindsay Morford of Hillsboro. Most members are junior high/high school age, but several adults also are in the group.
Katie, an eighth grader, said one of her best friends also sings in the choir. Lindsay, a sophomore, has been singing in the choir for three years. She said she enjoys experiencing new music.
Each registrant paid a fee to participate and received a packet of choral compositions in January to begin learning the music on their own. They had several group practices in Salina during February and March.
On April 5, they will have an all-day practice, ending with a public performance that evening at First Church of the Nazarene, 1425 S. Ohio, Salina.
More information about the choir is available at www.goldenbelt.org.
Litke has vast experience in vocal music instruction and participation. He has a bachelor of arts degree in music education from Tabor College and a masters in music from the University of Nebraska.
He taught at Berean Academy, Elbing; Grace College of the Bible, Omaha, Neb.; Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va.; Tabor College, Hillsboro; and Bethany College, Lindsborg.
Litke has been farming full-time the past 12 years but continues to be involved in judging at music festivals and participation in large choral groups.
