Grand Rapids ensemble one of 10 selected to perform during Pearl Harbor 80th commemoration

(WXMI) – As people across the country commemorate Tuesday’s Pearl Harbor attacks, a choral group from West Michigan will be in Hawaii to perform for the survivors, veterans and attendees.

The Grand Rapids Chapter of the Sweet Adelines is one of 10 choral ensembles invited to sing at the 80th anniversary commemorative concert series.

“We’ve practiced and learned 15 new songs for about the last year,” said Colleen Pierson, a five-year-old member. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Pierson estimates that thousands of hours went into this week’s performance.

The group arrived over the weekend and has already done two shows, including one on board the USS Missouri.

On Tuesday, the Sweet Adelines will sing in the famous Hangar 79 of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

According to the performance organizers, Hangar 79 is an 80,000-square-foot hangar with blue glass windows that are still littered with bullet holes from the attack. During World War II, the hangar was a maintenance and engine repair facility with “fighters, bombers and patrol planes based in Pearl Harbor or on their way to the front lines.”

“We’re making a sound that I can’t remember we’ve ever made before,” said Pierson.

Pierson says that for most women, it’s a personal journey too.

“This is a tribute not only to the people here who we sing, but also to the members of our family who have served our country,” said Pierson. “It’s very, very emotional for all of us.”

The group hopes the performances will pay tribute to America’s heroes.

“I think music brings everyone back to a place where they can identify,” said Pierson.