Around Town Singers Offers Music in Motion Program for Budding Singers

The Around Town Singers are reaching out to the next generation of singers and dancers with their Music in Motion educational program. Catering to young entertainers from age 6 to age 8, participants will get a taste of show business culminating in a concert for parents.

Two sessions are offered. The first occurs this week and the second runs from July 25 to July 29. Each session will have a different theme. This week's session is entitled "Our Little Broadway Review" and will have the children learning and performing fun songs from Broadway and the movies. The second week's theme is "Music in Motion Sings the Hits," with a concentration on the chart topping hits of the last 50 years.

This inaugural season of the Music in Motion program was born from the request of Suffield parents, said Around Town Singers director Dan Kehoe.

"We decided to work with the kids, ages 6 to 8, who are too young for the junior chorus,” he said.

The participants will learn skills including easy dance movements, stage presence, singing as a group and other basic entertainment talents. Given the relatively brief sessions, Kehoe noted the training would serve as a good introduction to many of the skills required for musical performance and theater.

“The program is a mile wide and an inch deep,” Kehoe said.

Unlike the junior chorus, there is no audition process for entry into the program.

“However, youngsters who love singing, dancing and are outwardly focused with bright smiles and energy will receive the most benefit and enjoyment from these sessions,” Kehoe said.

The age requirements are a loose guideline and adjustments will be allowed for students able to follow directions, as well as other considerations like size and ability.

Instructors for the course include Kehoe and Krysta Voskowsky, who also serves as the junior chorus director. In addition, Suffield Middle School band and chorus teacher Linda Seabury, along with her daughter Chelsea Seabury, will be joining the Around Town instructors to train the students.

Registration is currently underway for the second session. Each session is limited to 20 students.

The program will be held at the West Suffield Congregational Church at 1408 Mountain Road from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. There is a $90 program fee and the cost for tickets to the final performance is $5 per person. A song book, rehearsal CD and a bag for materials will be provided with the entry fee.

The Around Town Singers is a collection of local townspeople who love singing and performing. The group has conducted several sold-out concerts since their first show in 2008.

Anyone wishing to enroll their children in the program should contact the box office at 860-386-5154 or go to the Around Town Singers' Web site.