FSU President Sandy D'Alemberte, who supports the move, said he intends to beef up the lab school's purpose of providing research opportunities to the College of Education. The move must be approved by the Board of Regents. Though the land would be donated, the cost of construction would probably require a special appropriation by the Legislature. Andre Thomas, FSU's director of choral activities and professor of music education, will conduct the 1998 World Youth Choir. The World Youth Choir, a good will effort of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is made up of singers from every continent.
Members go through a rigorous audition process.
Those selected range from children to young adults and young college students. The United States is represented by 12 vocalists, including Michael Shortal, an FSU student majoring in music.