Burroughs choir writes home from Hong Kong

Burroughs Powerhouse show choir is making an appearance this week in China after being invited by the government to participate in its new year parade.

Powerhouse was invited by the Chinese government to perform as one of 12 international groups in its Chinese New Year parade in Hong Kong, Jennifer Oundjian said in an e-mail.

“We just got back to the hotel after performing in the Chinese New Year Parade!” Oundjian said. “It was an electric night! 100,000 people on route of the parade and televised all over China with 7 million viewers alone in just Hong Kong!”

Powerhouse was invited after Chinese representatives saw the group on “Oprah” and wanted the “most popular” show choir, Oundjian said.

“The ‘Glee’ craze is worldwide! Cathay Pacific Airways is the title sponsor and put us on a 16 hour direct flight to Hong Kong,” she added.

Powerhouse member Krista Gierlach said one of the most memorable things on the trip was performing the song “Honestly.”

“Seeing everyone’s faces light up when we ran out to perform and seeing how much this day means to them and how happy everyone was waving and smiling and us waving and smiling back at them. It was amazing,” Krista said in an e-mail.

One thing Shannon Ary experienced on this trip that she said will help her in performing with Powerhouse this semester is a renewed sense of motivation.

“I am revitalized and inspired by the dedication and talent all of us hold,” Ary said in an e-mail. “I can’t wait to take what we’ve experienced here and put that into our working as a team at home. I am very motivated!”