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Hanging Baskets for Mother's Day! Order forms due April 24th & 25th!
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April Parent Meetings:
All parents are invited to attend a short 20 minute meeting for updates on:
- three year strategic plan
- fundraising efforts and finances in 2017/18,
- choir lineup for next year
- recruitment for new choir coordinator
- updates from Markus
Please choose to attend one of the four meetings:
6:00-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18th
6:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 18th
5:30-6:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 24th
6:00-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24th
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GYS 2017/2018 Board (left to right):
Pam, Elisha, Kumudinie, Sara, Heather, Kim, Rosslyn, Bryan (not pictured: Tina)
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President's message (Sara Kaune)
I always enjoy this time of year in the GYS organization. We have already had some wonderful concerts but there are still so many more to come. This year is especially exciting with the Choir III tour out west as well as the Choir I/II musical, Kiwanis, and, of course, the year end concert.
The board has spent these last few months focusing on the final push for fundraising and plans for next year. One of the key areas of planning includes new board member recruitment. GYS has a wonderful staff team but we can’t function as an organization without a board of directors. Several of our board members including myself are in our home stretch for serving on the board so it is key to bring new parents on now. I encourage you to consider participating on this active and vibrant board to support the future growth and development of GYS. We will be holding information sessions in April for those interested and I welcome anyone to contact me (skaune@sentex.net).
Another item we are planning for is creation of a Chorister Liaison role in GYS for next season. This will be a position for a senior chorister to help with social media, be a role model for the younger choristers, and be a liaison to the board. More information will be coming soon.
Lastly, I invite all parents to parent information meetings in April where we will share our strategic plan for the next three years and what is in store for the rest of this season.
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Why I joined the GYS Board:
Kumudinie Kariyapperuma
I joined the GYS Board in September 2017. Knowing how much work is needed to ensure that GYS meets the needs of their students, I am impressed by the time, energy, and support of Board members. They are inclusive and flexible and afford a venue to voice my opinions on children’s music education including that of my two daughters. And the Board members are a joy to work with as well!
While I'm happy to be able to give back to the community, being a member of the GYS Board provides an opportunity to use my skills and experience, to get to know other GYS families and to enjoy the experience at the same time.
I invite you to join the GYS Board as a member next year.
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Artistic Director (Markus Howard)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT IS SPRINGTIME ALREADY?
It feels like we’ve just put our music theatre repertoire aside, and now we are entering the last two months of our fantastic choral season. And what a few months it is going to be.
I am so proud of Choir III for the incredible performance at Senior Treble Festival. We should all be so pleased with the wonderful successes of that day as we hosted some of the finest youth choirs in Ontario. Junior Treble Festival is in just two weeks for Choir II as we make our way down the road to St. Catherines for a day of singing and learning with the incredible American conductor and composer, Rollo Dilworth. SATB sang to a full house this past weekend with Markus’ professional choir LA MOVIDA, and the Guelph Symphony. It was a triumph! Next on the boards for our younger choristers is the musical, ‘The Great Debate’. I am sure these mischievous performers will have you sitting on the edge of your seats. Kiwanis approaches for all choirs in early April and will be a perfect opportunity for families to get a tasting of the music your singers have been working so hard to perfect. Members of Choir III will be packing their bags as they take flight to beautiful Vancouver and Whistler B.C. to participate in the Cantando Choral Festival. I am sure they will do us all proud. Be sure to take lots of pics for our website! After some audio and video recording projects in late April and early May, we’ll conclude the very busy season with our spring concert, ‘It Takes a Spark’.
What a thrill to have so many opportunities for our young performers. Be sure to spread the word as our exciting planning for next season is already underway. We want every child in the Guelph community with a passion for singing to have the chance to raise their voice!
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2018 Tour Report: Elisha Funk
It’s an exciting Spring for GYS Choir 3 and SATB as we head West on April 26!
During our 2018 Tour, choristers will be immersed in the Cantando Music Festival at the Whistler Resort. Highlights of the Festival include concerts, workshops, socials, and master classes. We will spend 3 days enjoying the music and scenery in Whistler before we head back to Vancouver. While in Vancouver we will have an exciting blend of music and fun! We will experience a choral workshop at the University of British Columbia and delight a local school with our vocal talents. We will visit the Vancouver Aquarium and will explore Vancouver destinations like Stanley Park, historic Gastown, and the Olympic cauldron.
During our time in Whistler and Vancouver, the Choir will spend 6 days showcasing their vocal talents, making memories, and forging lifelong friendships.
The countdown is on for a busy, rewarding, and fun 2018 Tour!
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The 3rd annual GYS online silent auction opens April 12 @ 4 p.m.!
32auctions.com/GuelphYouthSingers2018
Anyone can participate: it’s easy! Set up a private account (no advertising!), login and bid until you win! You’ll receive an email if anyone outbids you so you can place another bid.
Pick-up for won items is Saturday May 12th at Holy Rosary Church (alternate arrangements can be made)
If you have a question, or an auction item idea and know of a business that may want to get involved, please contact Bryan Stafford at:
fundraising@guelphyouthsingers.com
(GYS is also pursuing corporate sponsorship)
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