WAYS concert scheduled for April 18

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts presents the Winona Area Youth Singers (WAYS) in a spring concert, American Music History, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the Valéncia Arts Center Recital Hall, 1164 West 10th St.

WAYS members are students in grades four through eight from the Winona area. The youth choir started its second year this past September and has been rehearsing a variety of choral material. This winter the choir performed folk music from around the world, as well as some traditional holiday carols.

The spring concert will feature music from early Americana to contemporary musical theatre, showcasing both sacred and secular aspects of pour nation’s musical growth. Featured works include: The Star-Spangled Banner; America the Beautiful; God Bless America; How Can I Keep From Singing; Simple Gifts; Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel; O Music;The Merry, Merry Heart; Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off; It Don’t Mean a Thing; For Good; You’re Never Fully Dressed; and Do, Re, Mi.

WAYS members include: Philippa Armstrong, Lauren Callahan, Carina Dretske, Jessica Kohner, Justine Meinke, Alexa Morescki, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Audrey Schmidt and Korto Thrune. WAYS is directed by Lindsy O’Shea.

Reserved tickets are not necessary. Admission is $10 (cash or checks only) at the door for adults or free for children and students ages 2 to 21.

WAYS is the official youth choir of the Minnesota Conservator for the Arts. WAYS is dedicated to providing quality, artistic, and educational vocal music experiences for all young people, regardless of their financial circumstances. WAYS is offered tuition free to all students for the 2009-2010 academic year through a grant from Saint Mary’s University Friends of the School of the Arts.

For more information about WAYS or MCA’s other performing arts programming, visit: www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail: mca@smumn.edu or call Ext. 5501.