EAST SYRACUSE -- One local choir is going to be making an appearance in the nation's capital today. They've been invited to sing again at the White House, just in time for Christmas. For some members of the choir it is not the first time.
Members of the Masters Touch Chorale got in some last minute practice at the First United Church in East Syracuse Sunday morning. They are singers from 23 local churches representing 15 denominations and they've been singing professionally for the last 15 years. They have a special invitation from President Bush to entertain visitors at the White House today.
Warren Ottey says “It'll be our third invitation to the White House. We were there in 2002 and 2004.. We were very fortunate to be invited one more time. For some members of the chorale, it's their first trip to the nation’s capital and the chance of a lifetime to tour the White House at Christmastime and see the decorations."
As they boarded the bus south to Washington, D.C. some members know they'll be plenty of time for sightseeing once the work is done. Beth Cady Burkhardt says “but after awhile you can watch the people come through. You can see the kids and the families. One year there was a serviceman who proposed to his fiancé right during one of our songs right underneath the presidential seal. It was really amazing.”
During their last trip to the White House in 2004, the choir was asked to sing at a reception for members of the armed services who had just returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
