Since 2004 the Village Kids Children's Chorus has been complementing Marshville Heritage Festival and organizer Janet Balent-Corlett would like to keep the tradition going. There are only eight members of the children's chorus which performs pioneer children's song while wearing heritage dress. Balent-Corlett would like to double the membership to really give people something to listen to.

"People love coming to the church to listen to the children sing," Balent-Corlett said. "It's such a great complement to an already great festival."

The choir meets every Thursday at Balent-Corlett's home in Wainfleet to practice. Aside from participating in Wainfleet's signature celebration the choir attends seniors' homes and special events across the region as well participating in the Christmas in the Village event in December.

Balent-Corlett's mission with the choir is to showcase what pioneer children would enjoy singing to the general public. Through classic songs like "Here we go round the Mulberry Bush," "Farmer in the Dell," and "Row, row, row your Boat," the choir brings pioneer days back to life.

Balent-Corlett is accepting auditions immediately, she would like to see the choir filled by the time the festival rolls around in September. Members of the choir will sing "O Canada" at next Tuesday's council meeting to promote the choir and spike interest in local youth.

The choir is free to join and costumes will be provided for all members. The choir is open to children aged eight to 14.

Balent-Corlett has been teaching piano and voice lessons for more than 40 years. She has hundreds of books on heritage music she wants to share with others through the Village Kids Children's Chorus.

For more information or to schedule an audition call Balent-Corlett at 905-899-0243.