On the eve of the Billings Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 20th anniversary, we are excited to share a new addition to the youth program offerings: Billings Symphony Youth Chorale!
The Billings Symphony Youth Chorale is an advanced, small ensemble of approximately 25-35 singers, grades 9 and up, dedicated to high-level choral performance. This group focuses on developing strong musicianship, vocal independence, and ensemble sensitivity through challenging repertoire.
Auditions will be held at the first designated rehearsal—September 14th—and will follow the All-State Choir set A. Rehearsals are Mondays 5:30-7PM at the Lincoln Center. The first performance will be on Tuesday, December 8th.
This new youth program is made possible by the extensive efforts of the Billings Symphony Youth Programs Manager, Samantha Inez, and the Billings Symphony Youth Chorale Director, Amy Schendel.
Amy is the Music and Art Education Coordinator for the Billings Public Schools after directing choirs at Skyview High School for 16 years. Amy is co-founder of Yellowstone Valley Voices, a music summer institute for students entering the 2nd-9th grades. She holds bachelors degrees in Clarinet Performance and Music Education, as well as a Master of Music Education from the University of Montana. She is also a certified member of the VoiceCare Network. Amy is heavily involved in the music community state-wide. In addition to her teaching, she enjoys playing clarinet and singing for the Billings Symphony, singing onstage for Rimrock Opera, Glacier Symphony and local community theaters, music directing and playing in pit orchestra, guest conducting, adjudicating and teaching at camps around Montana and Wyoming.
We are extremely excited to introduce this new program to our youth ensembles and expand the offerings for young musicians in the region!
For questions or more information on the Billings Symphony Youth Chorale (including audition materials), call 406-252-3610 or visit www.billingssymphony.org.