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The Hazelwood East High School Choir participated in the Missouri History Museum’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  More than 80 students presented a program entitled “A Trio of Dreamers.” The program grew out of a proposal presented to Barnes Bradshaw, special and educational event coordinator at the Missouri History Museum.

Robert  Swingler, choir director at Hazelwood East High School, called the program a great opportunity for the students.

“When the proposal was accepted and we were given this great opportunity to present this event to the public, we were overjoyed,” said Swingler. “The support of the Hazelwood School District and the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis has been tremendous.”

“A Trio of Dreamers” refers to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader; Langston Hughes, author and poet, and Rollo Dilworth, composer and conductor. The program will include choral pieces from arrangements of an African welcome song, “Sorida,” a Hebrew love song, “Erev Shel Shoshanim” and three selections based on Langston Hughes’ poems, “Dreams,” “Dream Keeper” and “I Dream a World.”

The program also included students’ works from various departments at Hazelwood East High School. Students from the communication arts department displayed essays and other written compositions based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.  Students from the visual arts department presented various displays of 2-D and 3-D works of art. Members of the Thespian Troupe presented a portion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

In a letter addressed to the choir students, Dilworth thanks the students for their participation in the program.  He encourages them to think of their futures and dream big.

“As you sing this music, think about the possibilities of what you can be and what you can accomplish,” said Dilworth. “Think about the ways in which you can use your talents and gifts to make a positive impact on your school, your community, your town and your world. Dream big and reach for the stars!”