On 22 Dec, 2021 By Madeleine Stephens
Happy holidays from Bellevue Youth Choirs! As 2022 approaches, we’d like to share some musical moments of joy with you as a holiday card from our family to yours. You can also watch video reflections from staff, board, and choristers online.
Most recently, choristers caroled for the Silver Glen retirement community as part of our outreach program. Outside and masked, the choristers sang performance-ready pieces from our December MainStage concert as well as carols of all kinds. Residents listened outdoor from their balconies and even sang along – making us misty-eyed and truly showing the value of giving back.
On December 4, we presented the livestreamed “Coming Home,” our first MainStage concert since December of 2019. Two special guests joined us – Artistic Director Nicholas Gorne’s barbershop quartet, Eventide, and Santa all the way from the North Pole! We were so proud of our choristers for their artistry and poise, especially in presenting an abnormal concert to cameras instead of an in-person audience.
The Monday after our concert, we celebrated our success with Carols, Cookies, and Cocoa – a festive outdoor party that welcomed both member families and new singers to join us for treats and carols! Although it was chilly, Lead Accompanist Nathan Shiu kept the music going while Prima Director Heidi McIlroy kept the cocoa flowing. We loved this informal event and hope to make it an annual tradition!
As 2022 approaches, Bellevue Youth Choirs looks forward to welcoming new singers into each level of our four choirs – the youngest of which, Prelude Choir, is being reinstated in January. As we continue to grow over the coming year, we plan to hire additional staff members and offer new rehearsal times as possible to accommodate more singers. Your help is so appreciated as BYC grows this 10th birthday year – whether it’s by recommending us to a student searching for a musical home, or by your end-of-year financial contributions.
A very special holiday thank you to our staff, our board of directors, our volunteers, our rehearsal home at Cross of Christ, and to our families and choristers who bring us joy every rehearsal!
Musically yours,
Madeleine Stephens
BYC Executive Director
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