Date:  November 16, 2001

                                                                                                Contacts: Cheryl D. Peck or

                                                                                                Ed McDowall, 788-4265

                                                                                                Pager: 527-9386        

Media Advisory

What:                   The UIS All-Campus Choir will make its public debut at the Opening Ceremony for Festival of Trees.  Dr. Naomi B. Lynn is chair of the opening day ceremony and will give remarks.

When:                  10 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2001

Where:                 Richard Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds

Background:          The All-Campus Choir, directed by Dr. Sharon Graf, assistant professor of Ethnomusicology, is composed of about 25 students, faculty and staff from UIS.

                                    The 12^th annual Festival of Trees will begin Saturday and continue through November 25. This year’s theme, “A World of Celebration,” recognizes the bonds of peace, unity and hope that join the world’s community of nations. The theme will lead festival attendees on an international journey of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. Festival proceeds will benefit Memorial Medical Center’s Regional Burn Center and Wayfinding project. Principal sponsor is National City Bank.