A Community-Based

Select Youth

Choral Ensemble

 

Located in Owosso,

Shiawassee County, Michigan
Text Box: Text Box: The Shiawassee Youth Chorale It’s lively. It’s fun. It’s kids LEARNING and LOVING MUSIC! The Shiawassee Youth Chorale is a community-based, advanced choral program formed to provide a special opportunity for musical expression, education and enjoyment for up to 45 musically talented 8-14 year old singers from southeastern Michigan. Selection for the Chorale is an honor and an achievement. Membership in the SYC is based on the successful completion of a personal audition in which the student demonstrates musicality, voice range, pitch matching and memory, and basic rhythm. . The SYC helps youth develop an appreciation of a wide range of choral music styles, as well as supplementing and enhancing elementary and middle school music education. Mission The Shiawassee Youth Chorale, Inc. (SYC) was organized in 2003 to provide an advanced, community-based choral experience. The mission of the SYC is to provide a private, supplemental opportunity for musical expression, education, and enrichment for up to 45 southeastern Michigan youth. Organization The SYC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit Michigan corporation, managed by the Director and supported by a volunteer Board of Directors. Participation in the organization is structured by a written set of guidelines that establish requirements and expectations for attendance, behavior and participation for students and their parents. The October through April schedule includes regular, weekly rehearsals, at least two public concerts, and several guest appearances. The SYC is managed and directed by Marsha J. Lyttle of Owosso, Michigan and accompanied by Ann Ferden of Ovid. “Ms. Marsha,” as she’s known to the students, has studied and performed music throughout her life, both as a lyric soprano and a concert pianist. As a special youth enrollee and later as a college student at Kalamazoo College, Ms. Lyttle studied music theory and composition, conducting, and vocal technique. In addition, she has 30 years of experience in all aspects of business ownership and management, and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Western Michigan University. Ms. Lyttle serves as Director of Music for Owosso First United Methodist Church, was youth choirs director there for many years, has directed youth choirs for seasonal community events, and has given vocal lessons designed to develop the immature voice. Membership Selection for the Chorale is an honor and an achievement. Students are selected for the Chorale based on the successful completion of a personal audition in which the student demonstrates musicality, voice range, pitch matching and memory, and basic rhythm. Generally, students are recommended for audition by a music teacher, choir director or parent. Open auditions are held twice each year, in May and September for the following program year. Students and parents are expected to make an attendance, behavior and participation commitment. There is a modest per-student tuition and provision has been made for need-based scholarships. Sponsorships The SYC is supported primarily by grants and sponsorships as well as partnerships with various community organizations, and volunteer parents and community members.

PO Box 517 ~ Owosso, MI  48867-0517  Phone:  989-725-6356

ABOUT US

Holiday Concert

December 3, 2006
Shiawassee Youth Chorale 2005