A large, white room at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Wheeler Road decorated with colorful banners is the backdrop for this Augusta Children's Chorale summer practice. But an eye-catching sign on the chalkboard shows that they aren't practicing for just a quarterly concert. It reads, ``Destination - Germany.''

As Georgia is playing host to millions of visitors from across the globe during the 1996 Olympics, 23 members of the chorale will be performing overseas at the Central European Choral Festival.

They leave July 12 to tour Germany, France and Switzerland as an individual choir and part of a 300-member American kids choir. The 10-day trip cost $2,000 per person, and the chorale spent the year raising money for their first European tour.

Their stages will include huge cathedrals in countries where the children will barely understand the language or the customs.

That's quite a challenge for the young singers, ages 10 to 15, who will be accompanied by director Linda Bradberry, manager Katherine Baumgartner and several parents.

``This is a real different opportunity,'' said Daniel Adams, 14, a third-year chorale member.

The group's weekly three-hour practices are not restricted to learning the 15 songs they'll sing. Half the time is spent learning to speak and understand German and getting acquainted with foreign customs.

The singers giggle when they're told they might have to pay to use the restroom in Germany or bring toilet paper. But when they practice under Ms. Bradberry, who acts as a director/mom/friend, there's little talking and serious work.

She instructs the singers to memorize lyrics, rhythmic patterns and notes within just a few minutes. She assigns homework and commands smaller groups to sing at the piano with her. In between, she encourages them.

``It's almost like she's our grandma or mom,'' said Daniel Coleman, 14, a third-year chorale member.

For him and most of the singers, the challenge is learning songs in another language, like the Hungarian piece Wandering. Despite the difficulty of the words, notes and rhythms, the small chorale sweetly sings the pieces, creating a flow that's often tough to develop.

``Singing is a way to release your feelings and be part of a team,'' said Vanessa Reynolds, 14, also a third-year chorale member.

Most of the members prodded their parents to let them audition for the chorale. Hundreds of children audition for the 50-voice choir each year, and the group has a reputation for representing the most dedicated child singers in the area.

The singers say opportunities to travel and make new friends while singing have kept them excited. National appearances have included Carnegie Hall in New York City and Constitution Hall in Washington, and last summer they attended the North Carolina Summer Institute in Boone, N.C.

That's where Brandi Toelle, 13, met two of her closest friends, who are part of the 800-member Indianapolis Children's Choir. Those girls will meet up with her in Europe.

``I can't wait to see them. We were only there for three days, and we grew so close,'' she said, grinning widely. ``I love them like a sister.''

Daniel Coleman admits that he's close to the other members of the choir, and he has learned as much about friendships as he has about holding a high note for several beats.

``I've met people that I could tell anything to,'' he said. ``My mom wanted me to try it. I thought it was just so great the people and the way they treated you. Then came the music.''

So as the strains of a favorite English/Italian song, Laudamute, a challenging rhythmic piece, draw to a close, the singers relax as their faces glow. Some are thinking about their upcoming trip; others are elated just to have made it through the song.

If they weren't in the choir, their school year and summer would be easily filled by hanging out with friends, soccer games or piano practice.

``I'd still be in the school chorus - in the back,'' said Brandi, laughing.