Hadley Twp. – When Alex Kovalsky auditioned for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in December, he qualified for more than the $450 scholarship.
Thanks to a winning performance held at Goodrich Middle School, Alex will be among 70 students singing on a three-week European tour this summer.
‘I auditioned for a scholarship for a camp session and they sent me a letter a week later asking me to apply for the international choir,? he said.
At 13, Alex? bass voice is one of the youngest heard in the traveling choir, which has members ranging in age from 12 to 18.
Alex, who has been singing in Goodrich school choirs since second grade, began group rehearsals this week for the camp’s international exchange program.
Choir members will be taking private lessons, joining for group rehearsals one weekend this month, as well as for a one-week study session before leaving in June.
Week-long preparation also includes crash courses in German, French, and Dutch, said Alex, who is ‘reassured most kids will speak English.?
The choir will give two performances in seven communities, where they’ll stay with host families in Germany, France, and Denmark.
According to the Blue Lake site, the camp annually sends six performing groups on concert tours in Europe, including vocal, dance, and instrumental groups. The exchanging of performers is intended to foster peace and communication through the ‘universal language of the arts?.
Performers from other countries will also be featured at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Mich. this summer.
Alex, who plays baritone and piano, is part of the Goodrich Middle School newspaper staff, and works as an assistant in Hebrew classes.
He looks forward to flying into Paris, and meeting new friends, but is steeling himself for his first taste of European meals.
‘Our director, who’s been doing this for 30 years, says if you’re not sure what it is and you’re feeling squeamish, don’t ask what it is, just take one bite,? said Alex.
‘I think I’ll heed that warning.?