By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – It's been four years since the Young Americans have made a stop in Niles so it's no surprise that many are awaiting their arrival.
The nationally known Young Americans National Music Outreach Tour will bring music and dancing to the youth of the community Nov. 4-7.
In the past, more than 300 area youth grades fourth through 12th have participated in this fun-filled, intense three-day workshop. The Young Americans have become such a popular event that this year students will be performing two evening shows, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 6 and 7 in the Niles High School auditorium. In the past, only one show has been performed.
"This is something the kids absolutely seem to enjoy and we are excited to be able to bring the Young Americans back to Niles," said Barb Garrard, principal at Howard School.
Students who sign up to be part of the program will have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented young adults in the United States. The workshop will begin on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Monday, Nov. 5, a full day of rehearsing, singing and dancing is on tap from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 6 and 7, the performances will be held.
There is no school for Niles students these days.
The workshop will include Young Americans demonstration performances; educational classes in the areas of auditing, vocal technique, stage movement, sound and recording techniques, musical theatre and dance; a solo competition; comprehensive evaluation; and the two live performances.
High School seniors also have the opportunity to try out for the Young Americans and be part of the nationally known group. A lot of past Niles High school graduates have been part of this amazing group and Niles' own Bill Brawley is the director of Young Americans.
For some, it's the starting point to a career on Broadway, in singing, dancing or acting.
"With this being their first time back in four years, we hope it will be a great success, which it always is. We hear nothing but positive things about the show. It's an intense workshop, but after the shows are over, the kids are crying because they don't want it to end," Garrard said.
The Young Americans was founded in 1962, and was the first group to put choreography to choral singing and, with national television exposure in the 60s and 70s, gave birth to the entire 'show choir' movement.
Today, literally thousands of singing groups in major amusement parks, high schools and colleges across the nation can trace their roots to the Young Americans. Among its 3,000 plus alumni are professionals in motion pictures, television, radio, recording and on Broadway.
Forms for the Young Americans workshop were passed out at local schools. However, if for some reason you did not receive a form, or need more information on Young Americans, contact Barb Garrard at 683-4633, or Molly Brawley at 683-2894.
Scholarships are available to qualified Niles students.
If you plan on attending the workshop, please be prepared to bring a sack lunch and dinner or make a purchase at the school concession stand. Students should wear comfortable shoes and clothing for dance and movement during the workshop. Participants will be required to purchase or rent a t-shirt for the performances.