By Holly Heller Enquirer Editor
    BREMEN — The halls are alive with the sound of music.
    Well, at least the hallway outside the Bremen High School choir room. There, a passer-by will likely hear uplifting voices singing in harmony, rehearsing for a holiday show that will mark the debut of the newly-resurrected swing choir.

    “There was a huge swing choir in the ’70s, ’80s and part of the early ’90s, but it died down,” explained Kathy Overmyer, school choir director. “That’s what we want to get back to, good quality entertainment.”
    In her second year with the school, Overmyer is excited to be heading up the new Lions Pride Swing Choir — just one of the many music programs experiencing growth at Bremen.
    “We’re making it fun for the kids to participate so more will want to join in,” she said. “Numbers are up in the choirs. I’m averaging about 80 kids a term in high school choir. Middle school is slowly growing.”
    At swing choir auditions in the spring, 30 students competed for 16 spots.
    “I’m dealing with the best of the best, taking those students, giving them an opportunity to make an even higher level of music. We expect excellence,” she said.
    The swing choir members are openly excited to be part of the newly-resurrected group.
    “We love to sing,” said Sarah Talley.
    “And dance,” added Christina Talley.
    “And perform,” said Shelby Dirrim.
    The young women unanimously agreed on another point; they adore Overmyer. They described her as “awesome,” “cool,” and “very fun.”
    Dirrim elaborated, “She relates to students very well. She builds relationships instead of just teaching music.”
    Overmyer understands the many life lessons that will be learned by her swing choir students.
    “It helps them learn to become good performers. It’s easier for them to interview, to make presentations, to speak before large groups of people. There’s some life experience too. They learn cooperation and teamwork.”
    Don’t forget dedication. The swing choir began rehearsing in late May and continued throughout the summer several times each week. Now that the school year has started, the group rehearses one or two times each week.
    They will begin learning choreography in October.
    All of this work is in preparation for one show — a Dec. 15 holiday performance featuring both sacred and secular tunes.
    Tickets will be $5 and the 90-minute show begins at 7:30 p.m. in Bowen Auditorium at Bremen High School.
    Some fun selections include, “The 12 Groovy Days of Christmas” and a new twist on “Frosty the Snowman.” Also included are “The First Noel” and “Breath of Heaven.”
    Overmyer promises a high-quality, entertaining evening.
    “They pick up the music really well. It’s going to be great. They’re funny kids. We laugh a lot. When they get in front of the crowd, they’re going to entertain them. They entertain me! They’ll enjoy themselves and it will be a high-energy, fun show.”