The Young People's Chorus of Erie wowed audiences at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, with all three groups participating bringing home medals.
The combined (men and women) Chorale competing in the Mixed Youth competition won a Gold Medal and finished sixth overall.
The Concert Choir, mostly women or those with unchanged voices, won a silver medal and finished 9th.
The Young Men's group, performing separately, also won a gold and finished second.
A Glee Club school group from the Philippines took top honors overall.
The World Choir Games is roughly fashioned after the Olympics with opening and closing ceremonies. Competing choirs come from around the world, including groups from Norway, China, Nigeria, Canada and the Philippines.
Director of Community Engagement Rich Basler says the first time group went in with no expectations.
"It's beyond anything we anticipated. We wanted the performers to just enjoy participating in this event. To win a gold medal as a combined group and sixth place among more than 20 choirs is really amazing."
That medal automatically qualifies the combined group for an invitation to the Champions Round of the 2014 World Choir Games planned for Latvia.
The performances are particularly emotional for many of the young singers. It is the final time founder Dr. Jason Bishop conducts the group before taking another position in New Jersey.
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