About the Great Bend Youth Chorale:
The Great Bend Youth Chorale is a non-auditioned educational ensemble for youth 8–14 open to all regardless of skill level or training.
Led by Great Bend Center for Music’s founder, Matthew Melendez, the ensemble provides a performance-based educational experience that builds self-esteem and skills in a nurturing environment. Participating singers work to develop their literacy, ear training and vocal skills while learning masterwork repertoire usually performed in collaboration with the adult chorale in ticketed concerts.
This fall the National Endowment for the Arts is funding a revival of the Chorale’s 2019 commission, “Borders” for performances and a commercial recording. This award-winning piece celebrates the welcoming nature of our Olympic Peninsula community as an emblem of the American melting pot ideal.
Attendance & Rehearsals:
The Great Bend Youth Chorale meets in person once a week:
- Tuesdays at 5pm: Rehearsals are held in-person in the New Community Church of Union consecutive Tuesdays beginning September 12;
- For orchestra rehearsal, Thursday, November 16, 6-9pm at St. Gabriel’s in Port Orchard;
- For opening performance, Friday, November 17 at St. Gabriel’s in Port Orchard;
- For second performance, Saturday, November 18 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Olympia;
- For a matinee and live-stream performance, Sunday, November 19 at Bastyr University Chapel in Seattle;
- For at least one, and possibly two, recording sessions Monday, Nov 20 and Tuesday, Nov 21, also at Bastyr Chapel.
Requirements:
In addition to weekly rehearsals, youth choristers are expected to work independently on their musicianship, ear training and notes in-between rehearsals using practice materials and tools provided.
