I joined Young Voices in the fall of 2008. I started out in a higher group than most children when they first start, and I thought it was very challenging. I wasn't sure if I would continue, because I wasn't used to having a challenge like this in the music field. My mom told me that I wasn't allowed to quit, and I was going to try it for one more semester because she thought if I quit, I would regret it. She was right. The next semester I was still pretty quiet, but I grew more fond of it as my second semester went on. I liked Young Voices a lot, then. I wasn't sure if I would do the summer musical, because I didn't know what it was all about. I decided I would try it out, and that's when my life took a turn for the best. I met many people with the same passion and love for music and performing as I did, and they were all very different. It is a very diverse group, but I absolutely love that I'm exposed to different types of people with the same passion as me. Ever since that summer musical, my life has been better than it could ever possibly be. Young Voices teaches me everything that I could ever want to know. I learn more about music every Monday night. Music isn't the only thing that it teaches me, either. It teaches me leadership skills, and it teaches me that there are wonderful people throughout the world. I love every single person that I know in Young Voices. Everyone is so beautiful, talented, non-judgemental, and kind. Other than the people I take part in Young Voices with, we have a lot of great role models. Ms. Budd is an amazing director, and she is there for you whenever you need anything. She is very patient, and she never gives up on anyone. She is nice, and she can make anyone smile on their worst days. Seeing her every day at school, and every Monday night is the best. Mrs. Johnson is also wonderful. She shares her talents with all of us, usually with a smile on her face. She is sort of quiet at times, but I love her and I love getting to see her every Monday night. I can honestly say, Young Voices is my life and I could never thank Ms. Budd, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Bentley, My Mom, or last but not least, My Mima enough for going through this journey with me. I love Young Voices, and I think that anyone exposed to the atmosphere of Young Voices will love it, and should be very grateful!
Monday's were my favorite night of the week for 8 wonderful years!! I can't imagine what my singing would be like without the training I received in Young Voices (YV). One of the great things about YV is that we learned to be such good singers while having fun and learning life lessons. I learned so much about singing as a group, working with others, how my voice works, different styles of music, music theory, making a difference in my community, and to always leaving a place better then I found it. In my singing now, I am always thinking of thing Mrs. Budd used to tell us and of things I learned in YV.
Ten years ago, an arts council education committee on which I was sitting was searching for program ideas for bringing a greater education in the arts to the children of our community. I was thrilled when we settled on a children's community choir, because it would provide a program that I felt my own children would benefit from. I have not been disappointed; in the 9 years my children have participated in Young Voices, they have developed wonderful choral and vocal music abilities as well as a significant appreciation for the art of music. I have served all of those years, first as a founding parent, then on our "pitch crew" of volunteers, and finally on our board when we became an independent 501c3. It is been my priviledge to work with an Executive Director and a Creative Director who have managed to create excellent educational choral opportunities in our community not only for children but adults as well. I also have been very glad to be a part of an organizatin that has truly made a difference in our community and has met and exceeded our original hopes and intentions from our founding years. This is an organization I plan to continue to support with my time and resources for years to come so that many others can reap the benefits that my family and many others have already experienced.