Raising Our Voices in Song

The American Youth Chorus launched its fall season by “Raising Voices in Song” at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Saturday, November 21. The spirited program of traditional and contemporary music thrilled a full house of parents and friends, who rewarded these talented young people with boisterous and prolonged applause.

Echoing the season launch of the Congressional Chorus, which appeared in a representative ensemble to perform two pieces from its November concert, the program featured American folksongs and popular music. The Junior Division charmed with choreographed arrangements of “Great Gittin’ Up Mornin’,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and a moving appeal for peace on earth, “Prayer for Today.” The Senior Division, arranged across the stage in three groups, produced a beautifully blended choral sound, singing such favorites as the traditional “Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger” and “Make Them Hear You,” from Ragtime. Then, the two divisions joined forces for a triumphant finale, “Everybody Rejoice,” from The Wiz.

Voices for America’s Children 25th Anniversary

The Senior Division was invited to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on November 5th to sing for the guests of the 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

On June 27th, 20 of our AYC singers joined the Welsh National Opera in the Dragon Tent for a short opera performance. Our students played instruments, acted and sang as the chorus in the “Boy Who Went to the West Wind.” It was a fun experience for everyone involved!

AYC makes Kennedy Center debut!

On June 5, 2009, the American Youth Chorus sang its Kennedy Center premier - alongside the Congressional Chorus and Great Noise Ensemble. The audience was packed with friends, family and well-wishers. What a great end to the year!

PLANET EARTH | PROJECT PEACE

The American Youth Chorus just finished their concert season on April 26th with two one-act musicals.. Planet Earth, a “green” musical, dealt with the issues facing the natural environment around us and was sung by our Junior Division, ages 8-10. The second work, Project Peace, dealt with the issues that humanity faces every day, including intolerance, diversity, hatred, violence, and ultimately - acceptance. It was sung by our Senior Division, ages 11-14.

CHILDREN’S INAUGURAL BALL

The Junior Division recently sang at the Historical Society of Washington - for the Children’s Inaugural Ball - on Sunday, Jan 18th. They did an excellent job amid the chaos and noise of lots of children’s activity. They were even featured on USA-9 News that evening.

GRAND OPENING - CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER

Congrats to the Congressional Chorus and the American Youth Chorus for their wonderful performance at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Capitol Visitor Center on Dec 2nd. All the leaders of the House and Senate were in attendance and the new Emancipation Hall was packed with invited guests and media crews. A photo of the AYC appeared in the Washington Post, shown below, and the event was broadcast live on C-Span.

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Special thanks to the littlest singers who stood quietly on the risers through almost 45 minutes of speeches! This was an event that singers, both young and old, will remember as a highlight of the year!