Joyful Noise: Sister Cities Girlchoir Performs Christmas Carols for the Community

On Saturday, December 19, members of the community gathered at the First Presbyterian Church (418 E. Girard Ave.) to join in song and holiday joy as Sister Cities Girlchoir and organist Marian Geiger-Lynch performed Christmas carols for those in attendance. The event was free of cost, but all donations received that day were split between the Lutheran Settlement House, Sister Cities Girlchoir and Penn Home.

All photos by Natalie Piserchio

I spoke to Alysia Lee, the Director of the Sister Cities Girlchoir. Lee describes the concert series as “a mix of girl power, music, song and joy — they’re kind of spectacular. It’s a good way to spend your afternoon, so we invite people out.”

Alyshia Lee sings with a member of the Little Sister’s Girl Choir.

Sister Cities accepts members from 1st grade on up. Their mission is to get the kids thinking about leadership, empowerment and civic engagement as a tool to give back to the community. In the new year Sister Cities plans on starting a boy’s choir called “The Brotherhood” and is currently looking for boys interested in joining.

“It’s really exciting for us to expand the opportunity to boys as well [as girls] and we’ve seen so much success with the girls,” Lee said. “This concert is a good example of how the girls feel like they’re giving back to the First Presbyterian community with their song. “

“It’s more than just about singing songs together — it’s about building a strong, stable, healthy and sustained community,” Reverend Shawn Hyska from First Presbyterian Church said.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Sister Cities Girlchoir, you can contact them by phone or by filling out an online registration form at sistercitiesgirlchoir.org. There are also opportunities to volunteer or to simply come out to their concerts. They keep an updated schedule on their website.

“[The choir’s] collective work is based around singing,” Lee said. “It’’s a way to give back and that’s what we’re all about; Using music as a tool to build confidence and their connection with each other and with their community. Check it out and come hear the girls sing, especially when we’re here in the Riverwards!”