Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir

The United Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir will be releasing their first CD this fall. The CD will feature ten Cherokee hymns sung in their native language. The 19 member Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir is directed by Janice Ballou. Mrs. Ballou has been the Music and Science teacher for the Kenwood School District for over 17 years. “The Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir has been a great reflection of our tribal organization and it’s constituents,” stated Assistant Chief Charles Locust.

The choir began with five members in 2006 and has grown to a 19 member group, ages 11 to 17 years of age. “From the time I first heard the choir, they have improved tremendously,” said Norman “Hominy” Littledave, UKB Tribal Community Coordinator. “I have been involved in music and gospel singing most of my life, listening to the choir you can clearly hear their natural Keetoowah Cherokee dialect.”

In September 2007 the Youth Choir performed as a featured act at the Mt. Juliet Powwow Benefit Concert in Nashville, Tennessee. The choir has traveled throughout the country performing at various events and celebrations. “Hominy and I have been around the choir since its beginning, their songs are sung so beautifully. Janice works well with the kids and is a great choir director. We have traveled with the choir as they have performed throughout the country and they are a great group of kids to be around.” stated Brenda Locust, Tribal Community Coordinator.

The United Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir has performed at many tribal events and during the UKB Annual Keetoowah Celebration. They have recently been invited to perform at this year’s Creek Nation Celebration. “Keep the choir and director in your prayers so that hearts may be touched through their songs,” added Littledave.

For more information or to request their appearance please contact the UKB Tribal Community department at 918-431-1818, and ask for Brenda Locust or Norman “Hominy” Littledave.

Read the Release.