They have been looking forward to this weekend all school year, and for a group of talented Dexter students, Saturday is “the day”

“The day” is a chance of a lifetime for the Songmakers chorus of fifth grade students. Because on Saturday the Songmaker members will walk out onto the field at Busch Stadium. They will be on the same field as Matt Carpenter, Yadier Molina, David Freese, Matt Holliday, Jon Jay. And they will stand tall and full of Bearcat Pride, wear their Bearcat – and Cardinal – red shirts, and sing with all their hearts an All-American favorite – “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.”

The Songmakers chorus is a select choir of fifth grade students at Central Elementary. The chorus is under the direction of Delisa Sitze.

On Friday afternoon they had one final rehearsal before their journey to St. Louis. After rehearsing inside the school cafeteria, Sitze had the singers file in order outside to the lawn in front of the school. There they went through their song like seasoned pros.

“Now – do you hear the difference in singing outside,” Sitze asked the students. Heads nodded in agreement – they could hear the difference.

“It really echoes inside,” one student commented.

“That’s what it will be like tomorrow,” the direction cautioned.  They’ll be ready!

This is the 12th year for the Songmakers to perform at Busch Stadium.  The tradition began with former teacher Jean Rahm – a big Cardinals fan. And Sitze – another Cardinals fan – has continued the tradition. There have been some interesting journeys, including the time in 2002 the Songmakers were slated to perform and it was the same day of the funeral of famed Cardinal broadcaster Jack Buck. Following the memorial to Buck, the Songmakers entered the stadium and performed their hearts out!

The Dexter students have always been wonderful ambassadors of the community and school system, have always given tip-top performances, and have always received high praise from the Cardinal organization.

“They're a fantastic group of kids who can sing well and their conduct is excellent,” said Sitze. "I'm very proud of this group."

The Dexter Songmakers will be performing during the traditional seventh inning stretch when the Cardinals take on the Brewers. Start time for the Saturday afternoon game is 12:05 p.m. Kyle Lohse is expected to by on the pitcher’s mound for the Cardinals; Marco Estrado for the Brewers.

The ShowMe Times will accompany the Songmakers on their incredible journey to Busch Stadium. Watch the ShowMe Times for photos!

Good luck, Songmakers!