Hundreds of Cleveland area kids are preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime when they will take classes and perform with California-based The Young Americans. This nonprofit music, dance, and performance company will make a tour stop at the Cleveland State Community College March 8-10, during its Southern Region Tour. The Young Americans are committed to inspiring the world through global music outreach and performance excellence among audiences of all ages. The organization has devoted the 44-city, yearlong tour to teaching, inspiring and amplifying school music departments all across the U.S.
“We want to make sure that young people have the opportunity to participate in quality performing arts programs and get to experience the transcending power of music,” said Bill Brawley, artistic director of The Young Americans. ‘Three years ago we launched the ‘Turn Up The Music’ Giveback Campaign with hopes that our Signature Workshops and Performances will energize music teachers, school music programs, and the communities that strive to keep music education top priority for our youth. To date we have given over $1 million to school music departments and it is just the beginning.”
As the world’s first show-choir, The Young Americans now serve as the oldest and largest youth music advocacy movement in the world. Each 40-member, college-aged cast tour all over the world, visiting a new community or school every three days. At each tour stop, they teach their signature two and three day music outreach programs that include classes in singing, dancing, and theater performance. On the final day, a spectacular two-hour show is produced, featuring the local students as they perform right alongside The Young Americans in front of parents, families, teachers, friends, and community members.
“Music is just the vehicle we use- it creates the perfect environment for transformation to happen,” said Steven Haines, CEO of The Young Americans. “It’s incredible to watch a group of students get together and work as a team in a matter of days. They develop new friendships, self-confidence, and acceptance among their peers. Music is the ultimate connector and our programs are successful everywhere we go- regardless of language, socioeconomic backgrounds or cultures.”
Registration is open to first graders through college and more details about the workshops can be found on The Young Americans’ website: www.youngamericans.org/us, or by contacting at Karen Dale kmdsing@gmail.com. No prior performing experience is necessary, and scholarships are available by online application, thanks to TYAs partnership with The County Music Association Foundation. The final show will be on March 10, at 7 p.m. and is open to community members. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.