IN Norwin Summer 2018 | Page 9

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED CONTENT Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is Tuning Up for Summer Camp I f you’re looking for a summer camp that’s not only going to be fun for your child but foster their innate musical talents as well, the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus’ August 6-10 camp is the one for you. With registration ongoing through July 30, the camp is for children ages 7-10 interested in music and singing and is presented by instructors of the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, which has a 35-year history of choral excellence in Western Pennsylvania. “The camp introduces children to a lot of the concepts we use in our choral education program such as rhythm and movement activities, healthy singing and music reading skills that are designed to improve a child’s overall musicianship,” said Edwina French, executive director. “On the final day of camp, we hold auditions for placement into our performance choir program, so the children who attended have a real advantage.” No prior musical knowledge is necessary to attend the camp. All that’s needed is a love of singing and enthusiasm for music. Summer Singers Day Camp is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and takes place at the Pittsburgh Opera headquarters at 2425 Liberty Avenue in the Strip District. Each day features games, musical exercises and special guests who present workshops. There are also performances from high school musicians and others who have grown their talents in the cultural field. The camp is just one of many ways the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus has grown throughout its more than three decades. Started in 1983 specifically for a performance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus has attracted students from as far away as Ohio and West Virginia to its acclaimed program. There are three choirs under its tutelage, the Troubadours, Talisman and Bel Canto Singers, with 150 members in all. It also has several neighborhood choir groups in the Pittsburgh suburbs and has recently formed a satellite choir in Grove City, which has grown to nearly 20 members. Having such a close relationship with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Pittsburgh Opera certainly has its advantages, as members of Pittsburgh Youth Chorus get to perform in the region’s most prestigious concert venues. “Whenever the Pittsburgh Symphony schedules a concert that requires children’s voices, we are the ones they call,” French said. “This June, we’ll be performing with the PSO and The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh in a performance of Hector Berlioz’s ‘Te Deum,’ and later in the season, we have several engagements with the Pittsburgh Opera.” Because of its prominence, it’s no surprise that the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus has many outstanding alumni such as operatic sopranos Alexandra Loutsion and Jennifer O’Loughlin. Additionally, numerous PYC alumni have distinguished careers throughout the United States as music educators and professional musicians. Another exciting advantage to membership in PYC is the opportunity for national and international travel. Last summer, PYC performed at the International Children’s Choir Festival in Canterbury, England, and next summer, a trip to Philadelphia is planned. For more information on the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus’ summer camp, or for auditions, visit the website at pittsburghyouthchorus.org. You can also call at 412.281.4790 or email [email protected]. PYC offers Tuition Assistance to those with demonstrated need. Simply submit the PYC Tuition Assistance Form found on the website. NORWIN ❘ SUMMER 2018 7