Singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" is not an easy task for most vocalists because of its octave-and-a-half range.

Add a couple voices to the mix, however, and the national anthem becomes less challenging.

"It's a lot easier to sing as a group than as an individual," said Mary Jo Vallus, a Mc-Keesport Area High School senior.

	Darrell Sapp, Post-Gazette Foreground, from left, Dontel Sayles, Devaile Price and Will Green, all juniors, sing during morning choir practice at McKeesport Area High School. They were getting ready to perform at the state Capitol rotunda as part of March Music in Our Schools Month. Click photo for larger image.

As a singer in the school's 65-member A Cappella Choir, Ms. Vallus, a soprano, knows about singing in a group. She and fellow choir members have been practicing the national anthem and other numbers in preparation for a performance tomorrow in Harrisburg.

They will perform as part of Music in Our School Month in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

Also on the bill are selections by the high school's eight-member Flute Ensemble, directed by Karen Cole. The two groups will take turns performing their music in the rotunda of the Capitol Building.

The student musicians will also tour the facility.

"Seeing the rotunda and performing on the steps is a phenomenal experience," said Beth Murphy, director of the A Cappella Choir. "The sound goes up into the dome and bounces all around."

Other songs in the program include "An Irish Blessing" and "David's Lamentation," which should bring rich sound reverberating through the 272-foot-high Capitol dome.

Ms. Murphy said there is no particular theme to the performance.

The students will travel to Harrisburg and back by bus in one day.

The choir performed at the same venue about six years ago, said Ms. Murphy.

She said the A Cappella Choir has existed at the high school for decades; the flute ensemble was formed about two years ago.

State Rep. Marc Gergely, D-White Oak, visited musicians at the high school last week to honor their selection for the performance.