Volusia County schoolchildren with a passion for singing are encouraged to audition for the Singsations Youth Choir!
“The goal of Singsations is to bring students together who love to sing, encourage them to develop confidence through learning and practicing vocal skills and sharing their talents by performing in the community,” said Director Marci Wiltz.
Going into its seventh season, Singsations Youth Choir brings children ages 7-14 together to sing, perform and have a positive experience. The choir is returning after taking time off due to the pandemic. Music instruction and performance promotes self-efficacy, self-soothing and self-regulation. Funding for music education in the schools continues to have drastic cuts! As a result, students are missing out on so many opportunities to expand their education.
“The reason why I started Singsations was to give students a chance to reach beyond their music classroom education and to experience the thrill of performance,” said Marci. “It’s really important to me that these children have a positive experience where they feel they can be free to express themselves and gain confidence.”
This upcoming season the Singsations, are scheduled to perform at a number of venues, including the Artisan Alley Farmers Market, The Cloisters retirement community, John Knox Village, the Tree Lighting Festival at the City Hall of Orange City, and the University High School Choral Concert, as well as Dickinson Memorial Library Hall.
“I like to have a combination of public venues and festivals as well as the quieter more intimate setting in some of these retirement communities,” said Marci.
Growing up in a musical family, Marci’s love for music and performance flourished at a young age. Her father, a high-school choral director, had the honor of having an auditorium named after him. Her mother started her own dance studio that thrived for many years.
“I grew up in a very music-oriented home,” said Marci. “I learned so much about music from my parents and went on to learn more when I studied Music Education at Illinois State University.”
Marci went on to earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is a Nationally Board Certified music teacher. Going into her 35th year of teaching music at Enterprise Elementary School, Marci sees how important joining a group like Singsations is for children, now more than ever.
“In today’s age, where so many children are connected to technology but disconnected from one another, joining a group where students can work with others toward a common goal is so important,” said Marci. “Singsations is more than just getting together to sing songs. It’s a place where students can gain immediate success and feel connected.”
Running from September through December, the Singsations Youth Choir costs $190, with discounts for multiple children within a family. The price includes 13 rehearsals, at least four performances, a T-shirt, as well as awards and certificates. Students can also find funding support through sponsorships and scholarships.
Auditions and registrations for Singsations will be held at Dickinson Memorial Library Hall at 148 S. Volusia Ave. in Orange City 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, and 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Rehearsals take place 4:30-6 p.m.on Wednesdays, with the first rehearsal happening on Sept. 7.
For additional information, contact Marci Wiltz at 386-216-9917.
– Advertisement
