Amanda Robbins (left) and Michelle McGraw (right) pose with youth choir members at rehearsal for the upcoming Hosanna Concerts on April 11th and 13th.
From the Fountain Arts Center,
Youth choir directors Amanda Robbins and Michelle McGraw have been working diligently with the Fountain Arts Center Youth Choir to present their Hosanna Concerts on Palm Sunday weekend in April. Their exceptional efforts have harnessed the energy and talents of an enthusiastic group of young singers into an inspiring presentation of beautifully arranged and harmonized program called “Let the Praises Abound!” The first concert will take place in Friendship, New York at the United Church of Friendship, as part of the 10-day series of activities coordinated by the What God is Doing in Friendship alliance. The concert is on Friday, April 11 at 6:30PM. It will feature the Fountain Arts Center Youth Choir, and the brass ensemble Quintet Six.
The repertoire will include such favorites as “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” “Be Not Afraid,” and “Let the Praise Go Round.”
The Youth Choir began its journey as a six-member group in December 2021 collaborating via internet with a class of ESL students in Brazil. Since then, it has been joined by dozens of students from several communities throughout Allegany County. Ranging in age from five to eighteen, they learn to read music, develop their voice skills, and sing from their heart and soul.
Why does this lively group gather every week to learn music, and rehearse for hours at home? For some it is the joy of singing with friends; for others, it is a fun activity to share; some simply love music, and singing in community; some older students want to help and inspire the younger students. Parents say it is a good life skill to learn; or that learning to worship and praise at a young age may lead to being music leaders in the future; others appreciate the opportunity to work with the exceptional choir directors Amanda Robbins and Shelley McGraw.
What motivates this “dynamic duo” to volunteer hours every week to this labor of love? Amanda says “It’s a gift…..a gift for me to be able to work with these wonderful students.” Shelley shares “It is a privilege to be able to instill sincere love of praise and worship in singers at a young age, and to see the positive impact it has on them in all aspects of their lives.”
The locally famous Quintet Six brass ensemble includes two trumpets (Alyssandra Robbins and Robert Keir), French horn (Amanda Robbins), euphonium (Christopher Keir), and tuba (David Hardy). They have been performing together for four years at a variety of community venues and events. William Fancher will be performing with the group on trumpet at the April 11 concert in Friendship, as they perform “Hosanna,” “Victorius Love,” and “Trumpet Voluntary.”
A second Hosanna Concert will take place on Sunday April 13th at 2PM at the Bennet’s Creek Church in Canisteo, New York. It will feature the Fountain Arts Center Youth Choir and violist David Peralta’s Student String Ensemble.
The Bennett’s Creek Bible Church is located at 3740 State Route 248, in Canisteo, New York. The concerts fulfill The Fountain Arts Center’s mission to “reach hearts through the arts,” by providing educational and performance opportunities through its community music programs.
Photo Caption: Happiness and enthusiasm abound at The Fountain Arts Center Youth Choir rehearsals in Belmont, New York.
