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Youngstown Community Youth Choir learns variety of music
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown Youth Choir
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The Greater Youngstown Community Youth Choir gives young people a chance to sing.
Members of Greater Youngstown Community Youth Choir belong to a musical family that lifts up its voice in a mixture of music.
Kelan Haynes, director, and Thomas Berry, assistant, members of New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., supervise the group.
Haynes and Berry said the youth choir originally was organized last year to participate in the Martin Luther King Day celebration and did the same this year. The choir sang at the community worship services.
There was enough interest to keep it going.
About 30 singers are involved, ranging in age from 10 to young adults.
“We sing a variety of music ... gospel, contemporary Christian and hymns,” Haynes said. “I want them to use their energy to connect to Christ through music.”
The director said some churches do not have a youth choir so this provides that opportunity.
He brings the experience of being choir director and organist at New Bethel Baptist. Haynes noted he always has had an interest and inclination toward music. Of working with young people, he said, “There is a fulfillment there. ... It’s hard to put into words.”
Haynes noted his goal is teaching the singers to work together harmoniously.
“It’s worked out so far,” Haynes said. He added that he appreciated how older participants “support” and help with younger singers.
The director said he and Berry strive to be mentors to the youth choir, giving an example by what they do and say. “We stress the importance of having a relationship with God,” Haynes said.
“We want to be visible to young people and be mentors,” said Berry, a member of New Bethel choir. He said he enjoys sharing his interest in music. “I also want to be able to help them in their walk with God and be a visible example of being a servant of God.
“I think we’re both young at heart. I like working with young people because they have pure hearts,” Berry said.
Recently, the youth choir participated in Sincerely Youngstown, a “love letter” to the city that took place at East High School and was organized by vocalist Jocelyn Parker.
Haynes said the choir is available to sing at community events. “We’ll decide what’s appropriate,” he said.
The choir rehearses at 3 p.m. Saturdays at New Bethel Baptist.
For information about the choir, contact Haynes at 330-519-3420 or Berry at 330-883-8410, or send email to greaterytownyouthchoir@gmail.com.