The Children's Aid Society Youth Chorus to Debut Compositions by Gach and Brewbaker at 8th Annual Spring Concert

May 16, 2005

Contacts:
Ellen Lubell, 212-949-4938 or 917-854-6864
Emily Crossan, 917-286-1548 or 201-344-5742

250 children in grades K-12 to perform, as well as the CAS Adult Chorus

When:
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Where:
Marble Collegiate Church
1 West 29th Street (at Fifth Avenue)

What:
Two-hundred and fifty children from Children’s Aid Society (CAS) locations across New York City will raise their voices in song at the Chorus’ annual spring concert, “Let It Shine.” The Children’s Aid Society Chorus provides both structure and a creative outlet for choristers ages 5–18 from CAS community schools and centers, many located in Washington Heights, Harlem and the Bronx.

The Chorus will premiere two new works based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson and e.e. cummings. Created by CAS Chorus Composition Grant Recipients Jay Anthony Gach and Daniel Brewbaker, the compositions convey the character and spirit of children. Both composers have worked with orchestras and choruses nationally and internationally.

The evening will culminate in an arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” by CAS Director of Music Peter Frost. All of the choruses will participate in the finale, wearing bright shirts to create a rainbow of colors and song.

There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Seating is general admission. All proceeds benefit the CAS Chorus Scholarship Fund. The Fund allows choristers to participate in long-distance trips regardless of their family’s financial situation. For ticket information, call 212-533-1675.

Who:
The Children’s Aid Society Chorus consists of thirteen local ensembles. The CAS Chorus seeks to foster the personal, musical and social growth of its choristers. Over the years the Chorus has performed at Gracie Mansion, the Morgan Library and the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, as well as on such television programs as NBC’s Today Show, Good Day New York on FOX and the CBS Early Show. No formal voice training or musical experience is required to join the Chorus.

The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) was founded in 1853. It is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving more than 150,000 of New York’s neediest children and their families with a network of services that includes community schools, neighborhood centers, camps, adoption and foster care services, teen pregnancy prevention, education, health and recreation. CAS offers a wide range of programs in the visual and performing arts, including instrumental bands, award-winning choruses, theater, photography, harman: how to listen, the American Ballet Theater’s “Make a Ballet” and CAS/AileyCamp.