YPC chorister Chizi explained it this way, “We all have different things we are struggling with. In our conversations, we seem to be able to relate to each on a deep level. Being open with each other, we become close very quickly and develop trust in each other right away.”
How did the choristers feel afterwards? Zaria from YPC exclaimed, “The energy! It was just so positive! I felt so good about what we just did!” And Bryant from Kansas, said, “This was the most fun I have had with any choir EVER!”
Arriving back home in New York City and reflecting on the past two weeks, Francisco Núñez said, “The first YPC National tour may be over, but our work has just begun. I am so excited with the overwhelmingly positive response from choristers and conductors about our first YPC National Lab and YPC National Studio. I am grateful to the many, many amazing people who made this all possible, including the following YPC staff members, colleagues, and guest artists”:
Elizabeth Núñez, Associate Artistic Director
Sophia Papoulis, Associate Conductor
Nancy Bloom, Executive Producer
Ron Chronister, Director of Education
Jon Holden, Principal Pianist
Maria Peña, Assistant Conductor
Lindsay Bogaty, Concert and Events Manager
Sarah Batts, Vocal Area Coordinator
Emily Yula, Artistic Assistant
Alyssa Sadoff, Special Events and Individual Relations Manager
Kerry Allen, Wardrobe Coordinator
Bruce Adolphe, YPC National Choral Lab Composer-in-Residence
Andrea Dismukes, Vocal Specialist (Lee University)
James Frost, Vocal Specialist (Lee University)
Sandy Knudson, Kodaly Specialist (Norman Children’s Chorus)
Jim Papoulis, YPC National Choral Lab Composer-in-Residence
Brittny Woods, Dance Specialist, Savannah
A very special thank you to our magnificent colleagues at Lee University for your generous hospitality, your friendship, and your belief in the YPC National mission to inspire young people across the country with a program of artistic excellence, diversity, and education modeled on the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Paul Conn
Dr. William Green
Laud Vaught
Kim Brooks
Jan Wright
Vanessa Hammond
Thank you, Dr. Susan Kelly, for inviting and introducing us to your Tennessee ACDA conference members, to demonstrate the power of music to foster harmony and excellence among today’s young people.