A crowd of more than 400 gave a standing ovation following the Tamaqua Area Music Department's annual Spring Choral Concert held Thursday in the school auditorium.

Providing their vocal talents were the Middle School General Chorus, Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Select Chorus, Jazz and Concert Chorale and the Concert Choir.The Middle School General Chorus sang numerous songs ranging from "Peaceful River" and "On an Eagle's Wing." The Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Select Chorus sang "The Door to Freedom", Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name" and "Count on Me."Performing toe tapping songs like "Duke's Place" and "Imagine" were the school district's Jazz and Concert Chorale. Ending with popular favorites, like "West Side Story Medley" and "Let My People Go" were the Concert Choir with the finale of "Lean on Me." Special thanks was given to the Tamaqua Board of Education, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, friends and relatives for their support of the music department throughout the school year.Appreciations were also given to the district principals and vice principals, as well as Lori Remmel, Dylan Rynkiewicz and the media club for designing and printing the concert's program. John Buglio, choral director, remarked about recent state budget cuts that almost resulted in the removal of the music program at the Tamaqua Elementary School. "If it doesn't happen there, it won't happen here," he said.