Sheridan County YMCA holds choir practice, but worries they may not have an audience

Sheridan County YMCA held their auditions for their youth choir on Aug. 2, and to the happy surprise of organizers, the choir gained some new male performers. 

According to YMCA coordinator of arts Tyler Rogers, the boys choir group has taken the lead in numbers enrolled this year. The YMCA was successful in operating camps throughout the summer season with no cases of COVID-19 reported from the gatherings. During those camps, Rogers said the YMCA was able to hold auditions for the choir groups and was surprised at the amount of interest from the children. The results added 13 new singers to the choir program.

Practices are being held at the WYO Theater and amid COVID-19, Rogers has divided the groups into smaller practice sessions and the children are singing with masks on. But during an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Rogers said singing while wearing masks isn’t the real concern for the choir. 

Both Boys and Girls Choir are available for grades 3-8. They rehearse in small groups on Tuesdays or Wednesday nights at the WYO Theatre. Students learn a wide repertoire of songs and styles in a fun and uplifting environment according to YMCA executive director Liz Cassiday.