NEWS.................................................

On Saturday, November 14, 2009, the PYC sponsored its 3rd Annual BuxMont Choral Festival, a community outreach concert for local public and private school children.  As a result of this highly successful event, 4 students are auditioning for the PYC!  The all day event was packed full of new music, new friends, lots of good food and plenty of fun!  The event climaxed with a concert at 4 PM performed for a SOLD OUT house of family and friends. The program entitled "A World of Difference" received a well-deserved standing ovation!

UPCOMING EVENTS....

The Christmas season is upon us and the PYC is excitedly preparing for its three holiday concerts.  On December 6 the senior choir will be the guest performers in a concert at Gloria Dei Church in Huntingdon Valley, PA. The concert will begin at 4 PM. Also on the program will be the Gloria Dei Cathedral Choir, The Holiday Festival Brass and Dr. Jan Kraybill, internationally acclaimed organist. On December 11 the senior choir will participate in a holiday celebration, "One Winter Night" at Grace Point Baptist Church in Newtown, PA. The choir will sing at 7:30 PM. Throughout the evening there will be a variety of singers, instrumentalists, story tellers and other entertainers, as well as hay rides, a bonfire, a live nativity, crafts and refreshments.  This event is free and open to the community. On Sunday, December 20 the junior choir and senior choir will present their annual Christmas Concert at Carmel Presbyterian Church in Glenside, PA. This year's concert entitled "Joy to the World" will begin at 4 PM and there will be a reception immediately following the concert.

AUDITIONS...

It's not too late to join the excitement with the Pennsylvania Youth Chorale! Auditions are being held at both locations by appointment only. Applicants for junior choir must be currently in grades 2, 3 or 4 in and applicants for senior choir must be currently in grades 5, 6, 7 or 8.  Children auditioning for the senior choir will be asked to sing the first verse of America.  They'll also be asked to clap the rhythm (the words) of Jingle Bells while stepping the beat.  Children auditioning for the junior choir will be asked to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. During the audition, parents will attend a meeting with the manager to learn more about this exciting program.  To schedule an audition call 215-782-3527 or contact us on this website.

ALUMNI...

A few of our PYC Alumni took the time to share their memories and thoughts about being a member of the choir.  Thanks Alumns!

"I have learned that to make it through life, you have to do things you love. Take time to make yourself happy and share your happiness with others." Alison Cochran

"Along with a deep appreciation and love of music, being in PYC has fostered in me the punctuality of a metronome. I'm rarely, if ever, late which is pretty admirable for someone of my age. Also, I'm a very efficient packer. But mostly I'm thankful for the music." Laura Ballek

"I learned many lessons from PYC from how to introduce myself to people I wouldn't normally approach to the importance of professionalism, preparation, perseverance and confidence. On the practical side I learned independence, time management, money management and how to iron! Overall, my 4 years in PYC taught me to love music in its multitude of forms, style and genres. This love is with me today, and I will never lose that. Thank you, PYC, for setting me on the path to become who I am today. Ms. Finley, you and Ms. Fields, have had a profound impact on my life. Thank you for those years and the memories." Amanda Logan

"The most important thing the choir taught me was the importance of believing in yourself, because otherwise, nothing beautiful or amazing is ever accomplished." Rachel Thomas

"I joined PYC in 5th grade and had no concept of anything.  While in PYC my first year was rough. I was very shy and had no respect for adults. After my first year in choir, after tour, I learned a lot. Because we were in host families, I had to learn to open up more and just be myself. I also had to be more polite. The life lesson I learned was to respect my elders and just be myself." Bryan Savini

"Taking care of people and looking out for them makes me feel productive and happy." Hanna VanReed

"During my time as a PYC member I have learned many lessons, but mainly I have learned to have confidence, not cockiness, in myself and my gifts." Carolyn Dixon

"Through choir, I have gained a greater understanding and grasp of music and its power. Whenever I hear a song, I am able to more fully understand how much work and feeling goes into a piece of music. It has given me greater respect for music and its performers." Darien Kejack

"The one life lesson that I remember the most is to make as many friends as possible, laugh as often as you can and enjoy every minute of the freedom from the kinds of everyday life, because you never know who's going to walk out of your life, when you're going to cry, or when you're going to be recaptured by reality. So in short, live life to the fullest so that you have absolutely no regrets." Caitlin Busillo

"The choir taught me a lot about mingling and socializing. It's really great to go out after a show and thank all the people for coming to watch without being shy or nervous." Alison Robertson

"Always look and act professional." Ben Vogel

"From the PYC I realized how much I love music and singing. I learned how important music is in life and that despite differences that people may have, age, race or gender, the one thing that can bring people together peacefully is singing." Srinidhi Rajput

"PYC gave me the courage and stamina to do things that I like, regardless of what is "popular". I am honored and proud to say that I was part of such an incredible and inspiring group. PYC served as a fantastic outlet for me to satisfy my love for music and make friends with other kids with my same interests. If I was never in PYC, I would likely have never become as involved in and in love with choral and classical music. Thank you for making my life so musically enriched as it is today." Daniel Pollak

Don't miss the opportunity next year to participate in the Alumni Chorus at our spring concert.  You're an inspiration to our young singers and a tremendous joy to me.

You should received a mailing announcing the PYC 2010 Spring Concert Season in the beginning of February.  
 
If you didn't receive a postcard in the mail this past February, contact us at this web site and give us your updated mailing information.

Stay in touch alumni!