Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts announces new youth choir, WAYS
WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts invites area students in grades three through six to participate in a new youth choir, the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS).
Young people who have been introduced to choir and music in their elementary or middle schools and are seeking additional educational and performance opportunities are encouraged to audition. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic, and educational programs for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The repertoire and focus of WAYS will be more intensive by nature. The choir is meant to complement a student’s current vocal training. A letter of recommendation from a school music teacher is strongly encouraged.
WAYS will produce two concerts per year (an inaugural concert Nov. 23 and a spring concert second semester). Additionally, WAYS will perform in conjunction with MCA’s Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 3-7) as well as with Saint Mary’s University choirs in a special mentorship program second semester. WAYS members will also participate in community outreach by performing at nursing homes and for other charitable events.
WAYS will be directed by Lindsy O’Shea, who holds a Masters of Arts in Instruction and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Performance from Saint Mary's University. She has been involved with choral music — as a singer or director — for 15 years. O'Shea previously taught choral and general music in the Rochester and Faribault Public Schools. Additionally, she worked with the choirs of Blue Lake Fine Arts camp and with the Michigan State University Children's Choir. She is currently adjunct faculty with Saint Mary's, where she directs the women's choir and teaches private voice lessons. She also sings with the La Crosse Chamber Chorale.
“After 35 years of offering quality dance education and performance opportunities to Winona area youth, we are thrilled to be moving forward with our music curriculum through the new WAYS program,” said Christine Martin, MCA managing director. “Integrating various performing arts genres has always been a goal for MCA. Now with our summer theatre camps, yearlong dance programming, and the new Winona Area Youth Singers, we are excited about offering the full spectrum of the performing arts.”
Financial need-based scholarships are available for WAYS participants through MCA’s scholarship fund, provided by the Hiawatha Education Foundation.
Registration for WAYS will be accepted at the MCA registration open house, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 4–7 p.m., at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St. Placement Auditions for WAYS will be held Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5 p.m. WAYS will meet weekly on Thursdays, 6:30–8 p.m. throughout the MCA first semester (Sep. 8 – Dec. 7). Tuition for participation in WAYS is $150.
For more information about WAYS or MCA’s other performing arts programming, visit www.smumn.edu/mca, e-mail dance@smumn.edu or call (507) 453-5501.
