Greetings from Leslie Dripps, Executive & Artistic Director:
Why is it important that our youth learn to sing? You’ve no doubt heard the valuable arguments for preserving our arts and our heritages, developing future patrons of the arts, increasing test scores and critical thinking, and the innumerable extrinsic benefits of vocal musical study. I do what I do, though, because of a more powerful inspiration.
I teach young people to sing because singing makes them stronger. Young people who learn to sing have set out on a grand journey which will teach them powerful life lessons. Singers learn to overcome fear of rejection in favor of generously sharing their voices. They learn to value the group’s interest above their own. They discover their true gifts and likewise where they must grow. They walk in another’s shoes as they internalize timeless song texts. These attributes have names: humility, generosity, modesty, honesty, empathy –attributes that are developed and encouraged in the practical setting of rehearsals and concerts. These elements combine in a powerful way to build up the young singer into a confident, competent, kind and strong young person.
This singing journey weaves a rich tapestry of character that infuses young lives with what we at City Singers Children’s Choirs call ‘the power of song’. The power of song reaches deep into the singer’s soul, shakes things up a bit and emerges to be shared with the listener.
We hope you will join us on our journey, through financial, volunteer or audience support. We want to share with the world the marvel our young people are discovering: the power of song!
Posted: August 15, 2011 by admin
Greetings from the Director
Greetings from Leslie Dripps, Executive & Artistic Director:
Why is it important that our youth learn to sing? You’ve no doubt heard the valuable arguments for preserving our arts and our heritages, developing future patrons of the arts, increasing test scores and critical thinking, and the innumerable extrinsic benefits of vocal musical study. I do what I do, though, because of a more powerful inspiration.
I teach young people to sing because singing makes them stronger. Young people who learn to sing have set out on a grand journey which will teach them powerful life lessons. Singers learn to overcome fear of rejection in favor of generously sharing their voices. They learn to value the group’s interest above their own. They discover their true gifts and likewise where they must grow. They walk in another’s shoes as they internalize timeless song texts. These attributes have names: humility, generosity, modesty, honesty, empathy –attributes that are developed and encouraged in the practical setting of rehearsals and concerts. These elements combine in a powerful way to build up the young singer into a confident, competent, kind and strong young person.
This singing journey weaves a rich tapestry of character that infuses young lives with what we at City Singers Children’s Choirs call ‘the power of song’. The power of song reaches deep into the singer’s soul, shakes things up a bit and emerges to be shared with the listener.
We hope you will join us on our journey, through financial, volunteer or audience support. We want to share with the world the marvel our young people are discovering: the power of song!
Leslie M. Dripps
Executive & Artistic Director
City Singers Children’s Choirs
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