Columbus, Ohio USA
Return to Homepage www.shortnorth.comShort North Youth Chorus Opens Doors
To Talented Teens
By Kaizaad Kotwal
May 2004
Return to Features Index
© Photos by Kaizaad Kotwal
 |
Teenagers looking for an avenue to explore their musical talents need look no further than High Street in the Short North in order to begin to experience the joys of choral work and camaradarie.
The Short North Youth Chorus has established its new home in the Short Stop Youth Center at 1066 N. High Street, and the vocally talented youth in this chorus will also have a new director at the helm, Talisha Holmes. Holmes is a graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University and has a degree in vocal education.
The chorus is a joint project of CityMusic, formerly the Short North Performing Arts Association, a non-profit arts group formed in the early '80s by Steven Rosenberg, and Directions for Youth, a United Way Agency. Rosenberg, current artistic director of CityMusic, remarked that they are very excited about recent changes, adding that Talisha Holmes is both a good motivator and a talented musical director. "We have great expectations for the chorus in the coming months," he said.
For her part, Talisha is very enthusiastic about the chorus as well as the Youth Ensemble and the private lessons she will be conducting at the Short Stop Youth Center. "I am most excited," she said, "by the amount of talent and the charismatic kids I am privileged to teach."
And she's looking forward to making new friends: "I want to know their stories and get to know them well."
Talisha believes that the chorus is a great way for the students
to get one-on-one attention from a vocal professional so they can
learn more and more. Although, she acknowledges that many of these
students "don't have another place where they can utilize their
talents," that is no reason to think they cannot fulfill their dreams
of musicianship as a Short North Youth Chorus Member.
The group holds rehearsals twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays after school, with future performances planned in the central Ohio area. Individuals who would like to join will be glad to know that there is no cost to be a member of the chorus.
Talisha says that interested youth require no prior experience in order to audition and that "there is room in the group for all levels of talent." She adds that the music is not specifically focused in one area. Rather, the group works on everything from spirituals and Disney favorites to contemporary R&B and pop as well.
The chorus is a great way for youngsters to make new friends, develop skills and talents and have fun. The Youth Chorus also has a monthly pizza party and an annual trip to Kings Island. Overall, it's a terrific way to go - just singing and spending time together.
To set up an audition, or for further information about the Short North Youth Chorus call CityMusic at (614) 228-6224 or visit www.citymusiccolumbus.org