What do Long Island, Atlanta, St. Louis and Sharon, Pa., have in common?

All four will be host cities to the America Sings! concert in 2004.

Sharon High School Choir Director Vic Ellenberger told Sharon school directors Wednesday that the city was chosen to host a concert at the football stadium on May 15, 2004.

Ellenberger said as many as 5,000 student participants and 10,000 spectators could be expected for the concert.

The district will not have to foot any of the bill for the show, which is expected to cost about $100,000, Ellenberger said. He said the performers pay to participate in the show.

Ellenberger equated hosting America Sings! with "winning a state championship in basketball."

Sharon students have participated in other America Sings! events around the country, including performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 2001.

Ellenberger said he would like to see all of the county schools participate and is encouraging superintendents and principals to get each other involved in the event.

In the past students involved in America Sings! held a community service day as a fund-raiser for the organization and performed duties around town such as cleaning library shelves and cleaning up Pine Run, Ellenberger said.

America Sings! started in 1988 and is based in Alexandria, Va., according to a newsletter from America Sings!. The nonprofit organization raises money for needy children. Participants bring donations such as canned goods, toys and supplies for local food banks in the host city, the newsletter said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at:
kgarrett@sharonherald.com