On Monday, May 13, the Statesboro Youth Chorale held its 30th Anniversary Concert. The spring concert was held at 3pm at Pittman Park United Methodist Church. The program's theme was “Celebrating 30 Years of Statesboro Youth Chorale,” and the musical selections walked attendees through the popular repertoire of the years.
The anniversary concert showcased two different choirs which make up the greater Statesboro Youth Chorale. Those choirs are the Preparatory Choir and the Concert Choir.
Moreover, all choirs are directed by a skilled panel of musical conductors. These musical instructors include Dr. Michael Braz, Ms. Emily Kochetta, Dr. Tamara Watson Harper and Mr. Michael Roemer.
Student Directors also participated in the anniversary program by singing with the concert choir, as well as directing a few chorale selections. The Statesboro Youth Chorale Student Directors are Ms. Madison Patrick and Ms. Sara Maria Maghiar. Finally, the program featured the skilled flutist, Dr. Diane Kessel, for a few musical renderings.
The atmosphere of the chorale was both parts energetic and nostalgic.
The hard work and practices of the Youth Chorale’s children were displayed as each child put their heart and soul into delivering each performance. Audience members simply couldn't deny the heartwarming renderings, as each patron’s face brightened upon hearing each selection.
Furthermore, each Director followed up the musical selections with an esteem of the youth chorale children's efforts. And likewise, honors were given to various special guests throughout the anniversary program.
Moving tributes were paid to Dr. Michael Braz’s mother, Edna Braz, for her steadfast assistance in supporting the chorale in its earlier years. Past youth chorale directors were also honored for their contributions to the Statesboro Youth Chorale over the years.
Towards the end of the concert, multiple youth chorale alumni joined the current youth chorale members to end the concert together in one voice. All members sang together on accord to celebrate the many years of shared music tradition.
It was also revealed that Mr. Michael Roemer would be taking over the Youth Chorale moving forward next year, as Dr. Braz, Ms. Kochetta, and Dr. Watson Harper would be stepping down after this year.
Regarding the decision to have Mr. Roemer take over the Youth Chorale moving forward, Dr. Watson Harper had these words to give:
“I’m joyful that we have Michael Roemer who is unbelievable at his craft. What I love about him most is that he is not only a fantastic musician, but he relates to children so well. His spirit is truly beautiful; and you could not ask for a better person to fill this position for us at this time.”
The Statesboro Youth Chorale is a local chorale for youth aged 6-14/15 (unchanged voice). It is a regional children’s chorus that meets one day per week for its practices, in preparation for seasonal concerts.
Currently, the Statesboro Youth Chorale meets at Pittman Park United Methodist Church for its ongoing practices and programs.
For more information on the Statesboro Youth Chorale, please visit their Facebook page HERE.
