The Eastman Youth Choir (EMYC) is looking to recruit more singers for their fall season, which consists of two camp weekends (September 16–18 and September 30–October 2) and a concert tour with ten performances which will be held on October 13–16.
“Members have the opportunity to develop their skills and talents in an intensive choral setting,” says Shannon Sawatzky, an EMYC board member and past president of the group.
The EMYC is one of five regional youth choirs in Manitoba. Originally founded in 1989, the EMYC seeks to provide a high-quality choral singing experience for high school students in southeastern Manitoba.
The EMYC is also excited to announce the selection of a new musical director, Vic Pankratz.
“Each year the choir brings in a different conductor,” Sawatzky says. “This year, we are thrilled to welcome Vic Pankratz of Winnipeg as our musical director!”
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of challenges to in-person singing groups, and the EMYC experienced a downturn in enrolment. This year, they are changing their intake criteria to invite as many singers as possible. Whereas applicants were previously asked to audition, this year any and all interested singers who will be in Grades Nine to Twelve this upcoming fall are welcome.
Choral singing groups help foster many skills for young people besides singing, says Sawatzky. Parents and youth alike observe that the students grow in many ways as they are given opportunities for leadership and socializing, not to mention to build teamwork skills and strong friendships.
“My daughter has made lifelong friends at EMYC and cherishes her memories from the camps and touring,” says J. Preteau, the parent of an EMYC singer. “The organizing committee treated her like family and the music is all just a wonderful bonus!”
Another parent, V. Ayala, says that her daughter has gained so much confidence. “What our daughter loves about the youth choir is meeting other people who love music as much as she does. As a parent, I just love to see the joy that she has singing together with other kids her age.”
