What fun we had at our final performance on May 19th! The progressive structure of the YCM program was on full display throughout the evening.
The Harmonics, our enthusiastic 1st and 2nd graders, led two of our FUNdamentals preschool students in two super cute concert-opener songs. The final “I love you” of Skidamarink will likely ring in my ears and gladden my heart all summer.
The Harmonics then welcomed the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from the Overtones choir for a “special public service announcement” teaching us how to wash our hands — Beyoncé style. Such energy from the whole group and our two sassy soloists Nilde and Kathrin! Don’t forget to “wash your hands to keep the germs away.”
The song about another kind of Germs, an imaginary dog, left us all smiling, especially after the “ah, how sweet” moment inspired by another soloist, Victoria.
From song to song, of course, our Chromatics – Charlie, Clara, and Zoe – kept the program bouncing along with funny interactions, sung interludes, jokes, tongue twisters, and heartfelt quotes. I am so proud of their work this year tackling many complex pieces without the opportunity to hide in a larger group. They took ownership of their parts! It is indeed “Their Time” and my planning for next year reflects it! The Chromatics will continue to be leaders in the full YCM choir, but mark February 13th on your calendars for a special concert prepared and performed by our middle and high school students only.
It was a dream-fulfilling moment to see all three choirs – the Harmonics, Overtones, and Chromatics – come together for the remainder of the program, beginning with the song “New Day” led in by Nina’s beautiful solo. Many of the songs in this last group of numbers were pieces selected together with the other directors of the SONG Onlus Sistema Lombardia Association in which I am a directing member. YCM will perform with SONG at a special concert this Sunday, June 5th at Teatro Dal Verme. See the flyer and link below for concert and ticket information.
As I sat on the floor with the youngest choristers, looking up as they were to the Chromatics teaching us the “ABCs” of music, I was reminded of my own early music education and renewed with the passion that led Jenny and me to found YCM. We share a belief that the joy AND rigor of reading and performing choral music teach teamwork, problem-solving, determination, leadership skills, and emotional resilience. It is our privilege to pass these lessons and experiences on to a new generation, and so I close this performance report with a quote by Walt Disney which our Chromatics recited: “First THINK, second BELIEVE, third DREAM, and finally DARE.”
– Artistic Director Amy Barton
