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

On Saturday, April 17, 2010 the PYC Senior Choir will perform at Temple University under the direction of Dr. Rollo Dilworth, associate professor of choral music education at the Boyer College of Music and Dance.  The choir is serving as a demonstration choir at a choral workshop for music educators, choral conductors and college students.  Dr. Dilworth will work with the PYC to demonstrate choral techniques, repertoire and vocal pedagogy for the attendees.       

UPCOMING EVENTS....

The Spring concert season is in full swing already and both choirs are busily preparing their new repertoire for the upcoming concerts.  The season opened with the 15th annual Generations Concert, entitled "An International Festival".  Participants included the PYC junior and senior choirs, the Korean Culture Ministry Dancers and Drummers and the Hill Singers of Chestnut Hill College.  The very exciting, well received program focused on the music and dance of different cultures including Korea, New Zealand, the Caribbean and Russia.

The Spring Concert Series begins on Sat. May 1, 2010 with two performances in Ocean City, NJ.  The Junior and Senior choirs will join the Young Cape Singers for a joint concert at St. John's Lutheran Church at 1:30PM and the Senior Choir will perform at Wesley Bay Manor at 7:30PM. Both performances are free and open to the public.

The annual Spring Concert on Sat. May 15, will feature both choirs and guest instrumentalists.  The program will be entitled "To Music" and will demonstrate how music helps us to express our feelings, understand deep experiences, participate in other cultures and celebrate life.  The musical selections will range from the aria, "Art Thou Troubled" by Handel to "You Raise Me Up" made popular by Josh Grobin.  There will be folk songs performed in Maori, Korean, French and Russian and well known tunes like "What A Wonderful World" and "The Pink Panther"!  The concert will end with a medley of Disney tunes.  A highlight of this concert is the appearance of the PYC Alumni Chorus performing "The Irish Blessing".  This concert is open to the public and tickets are available at the door.

On Saturday June 12, 2010, the Senior Choir will travel to New York on a short concert tour to perform at Our Lady of Victory Church in Floral Park, NY at 7:30PM.  The program will be similar to the Spring Concert program.  This concert is free and open to the public.   On Sunday June 13, the choir will sing the morning church service and then stop at Medieval Times for dinner and a show on their way home.  

Both choirs will appear in the Langhorne Memorial Day Parade on Mon. May 31, 2010.  Come out and cheer us on!

AUDITIONS...

It's the perfect time for you 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 1, 2 or 3in and applicants for senior choir must be currently in grades 4, 5, 6 or 7.  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 this May 15th to participate in the Alumni Chorus at our spring concert.  You're an inspiration to our young singers and a tremendous joy to me.

 
Stay in touch alumni!