History  Goals  Choirs/Directors

History:

In 2005, LSYC was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Previously, sponsored by Hermantown Community Education, Lake Superior Youth Chorus (LSYC) was established in 1992 as the Hermantown Youth Chorus until 1998 when the name was changed to better reflect the many communities served by the organization. It is for students in grades 4-12 from the greater Duluth area, and includes singers from Hermantown, Duluth, Proctor, Cloquet, Esko, Superior, Two Harbors and surrounding communities. Performance opportunities for the singers are many and varied, including three major concerts and other performances scheduled as opportunities arise.

The Youth Chorus has performed on The Morning Program of Minnesota Public Radio and at state and regional conventions of the Music Educators National Conference. They have performed with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Northland Opera Theater, Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, Arrowhead Choral, UWS Concert Choir, StrikePoint concert bell ensemble, and children's choirs from the US and Canada. In April of 2000, the Concert Choir performed a newly commissioned work by Dr. Justin Rubin based on the text from the book "Old Turtle" for Matinee Musicale's Centennial Celebration.

Goals:

• Provide singers with the opportunity to develop their vocal gifts through musical understanding and self-expression.
• Promote the highest level of musical artistry, performing great music of various styles and historic periods.
• Value the positive social interactions the singers experience as part of a successful team.
• Encourage parental involvement as we cultivate a positive image of youth and music in our community.
• Value the inclusion of interested singers of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds from throughout the area.

Choirs/Directors:

Artistic Director is Tina Thielen-Gaffey.

Choristers (grades 3 - 5), directed by Jennifer Graupmann

Concert Choir (grades 6 - 8), directed by  Bret Amundson

ENCORE! (high school mixed ensemble - boys with changed voices may also sing), directed by Kevin Pilon