Starting Sunday, Sept. 30, some local students may experience a life-changing event, with the kick-off of The Young Americans National Music Outreach Tour here in Lake Orion.
‘The Young Americans are an outstanding group of young adults between the ages of 17 and 25 who have chosen to promote the arts internationally through a three-day workshop like the one coming to Lake Orion,? said Lisa Jander, who, along with Karen Appledorn, is coordinating the Lake Orion workshop.
‘These young talented individuals come from all over the world to teach their art to kids from 4th grade through 12th.?
The three-day workshop, which runs through Tuesday, Oct. 2, features classes on vocal techniques, sound and recording techniques, musical theatre, stage movement and vocal ensemble, among others.
After practicing and taking part in classes most of the day Sunday (4-9 p.m.), all day Monday (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and part of Tuesday (4-6 p.m.), the workshop culminates with a two-hour show that features the skills learned throughout the classes.
Jander believes that for some, participation in this type of workshop can be a life-changing event.
‘Kids are so bombarded with the wrong kinds of entertainment and role models,? she said. ‘To have the (Young Americans) come to our district live and not only expose our children to the arts, but emplify what healthy, well-rounded, energetic, bright and passionate futures our own kids can have, should be offered to everyone.?
‘Kids will walk away from this event with more self-confidence, a better understanding of their own abilities and a taste of the arts that will only help to enhance what we provide in our schools,? Jander added.
According to Jander, it has been three years since Young Americans has come to this area.
‘The tour has a very large audience so they only come to the Midwest for three years in a row, then go to another part of the country for the following three years,? Jander said, adding that she and Appledorn, along with other parents, will do whatever they can to get the Young Americans to come to Lake Orion again next year.
Jander said that they will take up to 200 participants, and that applications are coming faster by mail everyday. She hopes to have the final count by Monday, Sept. 24, but the group may fill up sooner as the applications continue to be turned in.
The three-day workshop costs $59, with t-shirts being available for purchase for $9.50 or rent for $5, though Jander doesn’t believe it is the kind of experience that you can put a price tag on.
‘With the strain on the budget and the arts always in jeopardy, this is a great way to support our hardworking, dedicated teachers that have poured out their lives to promote their craft,? she said. ‘There is plenty of evidence that music, dance and all forms of art help learning. We can’t just grow the left side of our brain.?
‘Kids need balance and a way to creatively express themselves,? she added. ‘This is, by far, the most reasonable and best way to achieve that.?
For those individuals interested in participating in the Young Americans workshop, flyers have been given to the various drama and music teachers at the elementary, middle and high schools.
You can also e-mail Jander at ljander@comcast.net.
For more information about The Young Americans National Music Outreach Tour, visit www.YoungAmericans.com.