Singing to a packed audience and getting a standing ovation in Carnegie Hall in New York was a breathtaking experience for Jennifer Biondo, 24, of Fairfield.

Biondo was in the front row, middle stage in the 117-member University of Kentucky Women's Choir as it sang to an audience last Wednesday at Carnegie for the American Choral Directors Association Convention.

As the choir ended with the song, "Sweeping Through The City," she said the audience stood and cheered.

The song was written for the UK choir by Roger Holland, director of the Boys Choir of Harlem.

"This was a very big honor for me," Biondo said. "This is something you dream of, but are never sure it will ever really happen. Our director, Dr. Lori Hetzel, teaches us to sing from the heart. When you get the kind of response from the audience we received, you feel you are singing from your heart."

Biondo is a junior in UK's music program, studying for a bachelor of arts degree in voice.

She sings alto for the choir, but believes her range also includes soprano.

She said she has been taking music lessons since age 13. She continued in music through junior and senior high schools in Fairfield and was in most musical programs.

She had a lead role in a school production of Oklahoma. She attended the University of Cincinnati before going to UK.

"She is the light of my life," said her mother, Diana Bailey, business manager of the Western Hills Medical Center. "I am proud of her because this is something she has always wanted."

Biondo said she would like to perform onstage after graduation or at least be connected with music in some way.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is accepting applications for its two minigrants programs, Learning Links and Summertime Kids, from schools and nonprofit organizations in the Tristate.

An application form may be requested by calling, (513) 768-6116. Nonprofit groups may apply for Summertime Kids grants; the deadline is March 21. Schools may apply for Learning Links grants, due March 31.

Preference this year for the grants will be given to projects that promote volunteerism, community service, learning about philanthropy, or building connections between different parts of the community.

Grants will be announced in May.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. Contact Allen Howard at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.