Eisenhower Show Choir Women among select group chosen for statewide youth arts festival

The Show Choir Women from Eisenhower High School will be among 12 large ensembles performing May 7-9 at the 2015 Michigan Youth Arts Festival. The choir has been selected to participate in the MSVMA Invitational Recital on Friday, May 8 at 1 p.m. in Dalton Recital Hall.

The 16-member group of juniors and seniors and their director, Julia Jenkins Holt were selected after earning an ‘Excellent with Superior Distinction’ rating at State Festival and being named a finalist for the Solo & Ensemble Invitational Recitals.

The Solo and Ensemble Invitational Recitals are held in conjunction with the Michigan Youth Arts Festival at Western Michigan University. The recitals are concerts for the purpose of showcasing the finest soloists and ensembles in Michigan. Five large ensembles at each of the five state Solo & Ensemble sites were chosen as finalists and recordings of their performances were forwarded to the adjudication supervisor for consideration by a listening panel.

The Show Choir Women are: Ashley Agrusa, McKenzie Allen, Emily Botkin, Kelly Conway, Emily Cook, Katie Galayda, Kathleen Keyes, Valerie Kojack, Erin Kurtz, Madison Mardney, Carly McKay, Kayla Miller, Jessica Raccosta, Alana Smith, Allison Thomas and Lindsay Williams.

The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is a comprehensive arts spectacular, culminating a nine-month search for the finest artistic talent in Michigan high schools. More than 250,000 students across the state are involved in the adjudication process that results in nearly 1,000 being invited to participate in the annual three-day event, held in May. It is here that these exceptional students in the arts gather together to explore, celebrate and showcase their talent in multiple disciplines. The Festival hopes to foster a lifelong love of the arts through a showcase of individual talent and celebrating the talents of others.

At the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, exceptional student artists participate in advanced master classes, workshops, live performances, and exhibits that are tailored to their individual artistic discipline. Not only is it an experience to enrich their own artistic craft, but also an opportunity to celebrate their fellow peers. From the concert recitals, to the visual art exhibit, to the film festival and theatrical performances, The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is a memorable event that students will fondly remember throughout their artistic careers.