The Minneapolis Youth Chorus is a Community Partner of the Minneapolis Public Schools, and a founding member of the Minnesota Youth Choir Consortium.
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Launched by the Minnesota Chorale in 2007, the Minneapolis Youth Chorus is an auditioned ensemble open to Minneapolis Public School students in grades 6 through 10. MYC seeks to enrich the lives of participants by providing them with opportunities to develop their musical gifts in an environment dedicated to the celebration of diversity and the pursuit of artistic excellence. The program is offered at no charge to participants: all costs are borne by the Minnesota Chorale.
Prelude, a choir for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders new to the MYC program, was established in 2012. It is designed as an introductory choral experience for younger singers. MYC rehearses on Monday afternoons from 6 to 8 p.m., and, on average, an additional Saturday per month or as needed during the school year at Folwell School, Performing Arts Magnet, 3611 20th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Prelude rehearses on Mondays from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. A one-week "choir camp" for all singers takes place during the summer, daily from 9 a.m. to noon (MYC) and 1 to 3 p.m. (Prelude). Admission to both MYC and Prelude takes place via voice checks each spring with Patrice Arasim and Cindy Bergstrom. Voice checks are conducted in small groups of singers, and require no preparation or appointment. This year, voice checks take place on April 16 & 23, any time between 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Folwell Performing Arts Magnet. All MPS students going into grades 3 - 8 are welcome. NOTE: Given that we are a community school partner and that the schools are closed, all MYC and Prelude activities are suspended until the Minneapolis Public Schools reopen. All current singers are invited to continue singing. The 5th graders are invited to join MYC at choir camp or in the fall. Voice checks for new participants will also be held at this time. CLICK HERE to see MYC singing at Governor, Tim Walz inaguration
This was broadcast on MPR. Click on the video and about 42 minutes in (you can fast forward) is the MYC performance. To the Student Singers, Conductor and Pianist that performed “O, Colored Earth” at the 2019 Inauguration: Your rendition was the first time I had ever been exposed to that beautiful and profound piece of music and I along with many others (I’m sure) were moved. The words of that song carry a strong and meaningful message of peace, truth and love, especially when sung by young people. As representatives of your generation, you displayed passion as you were singing those words on the stage at the Fitzgerald; and it gave me hope in these troubled time. To paraphrase the last verse: your lives, and your voices, are indeed sacred and a gift our community. Know that you are making a difference. And know that your efforts are not in vain. Thank You. Sincerely, Douglas M. Wenzel Richfield |
