"When we started it, our purpose was mainly to give our children a really neat choral experience," Christensen said. "The music that they're learning in choir, nine pieces each semester, is really good music. Some is in languages they don't understand. It's good music with good lyrics. The kids are humming it when they're not even aware of what they're doing. That's what's going through their heads. We're happy that's the caliber of stuff going through their minds when they're not even aware."

All three agree that they would much rather have their children humming songs they learned in choir than some of the popular songs heard on the radio. Twice a year they make a CD of all the songs taught in choir that year for the children to keep.

"The benefit is my children listen to these CDs all the time and this is their favorite music," Mickelsen said.

The choir has had several performances that were very exciting for them. They performed at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City with a children's choir from Cache Valley and an international children's choir; in the Assembly Hall and Tabernacle on Temple Square; and at the Provo Tabernacle. Every year they also have what they call a side-by-side concert performed with musical artists such as Voice Male, Eclipse and the Bar J Wranglers.

"Any time we perform with guest vocalists, it's their favorite number," Mickelsen said. "They have a new energy in that performance."

Above all, Christensen, Mickelsen and Johnson hope to provide children with a great musical experience.

"We want to get them as solid as we can musically," Johnson said. "The more repertoire that opens up to us the more groups we can partner with. The better we get the more we can get others interested in singing and performing with us."

"We hope we're providing an exceptional musical education and it's a wonderful thing. Anyone can be taught to sing," Mickelsen said.

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E-MAIL: twalquist@desnews.com