Rexburg Children’s Choir making impact in eastern Idaho

The Rexburg Children’s Choir is gearing up for its first ever Christmas concert.

It’s been in existence for less than a year and it’s growth and success has been quite phenomenal.

When choral director Ben Watson moved to Rexburg last January he decided to start a children’s choir.

“Before I came here I taught music in the public school system in Montana, ” Watson said. ” I love teaching kids especially and there’s just something about children’s music that’s just wonderful.”

Little could Watson have imagined that less than a year later he’d have 160 kids in the choir preparing for a major performance in the Rexburg Tabernacle, performing with well known Utah violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and her children. The choir got off to a rapid start, even doing a music video last summer that’s got 186,000 views on Facebook.

Parents are thrilled to have this kind of opportunity for their children.

“I grew up with music and think as a choir participant you gain so much more out of it than the people listening, ” Andrea Rogers said. ” I wanted my kids to experience that and as soon as we heard about it we were so excited and we haven’t missed a rehearsal. They love it.”

In fact, the son was even more excited than his mom.

“It’s very fun, ” Casen Rogers said. ” I’ve never been in a choir with so many people — like having so many instruments and people and it’s just been a great experience.”

For Ben Watson it’s been a rewarding experience.

“To me it’s not about impressing the world. The journey is as rewarding as the performance. If the children are having a good time and they’re performing, that’s enough for me.”

The performance is December 4th at 7pm at the Rexburg Tabernacle. Tickets are available at rexburg.org