500 Singers to Convene in ‘Electrify Your Choir’ Program
Culminating in Citywide Concert on Friday, 3/15
MILFORD – After last year’s ELECTRIFY YOUR SYMPHONY experience in the Milford Public Schools, hundreds of the people from the entire Milford community responded ‘we want more of this!’ And ‘more’ is exactly what nearly 500 students in the district will get next week as the partnership with EYS continues – this time with our vocal musicians across our eight elementary and three middle schools attending the ELECTRIFY YOUR CHOIR program.
Created by Mark Wood, an original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and international recording artist, ELECTRIFY YOUR SYMPHONY (EYS) is a music education phenomenon that energizes students, teachers, and local communities by injecting a high voltage dose of energy and excitement. Next week, world class professionals from EYS will come to our community and provide an intensive 3-day learning experience. Last year’s initial involvement with EYS focused on our strings program; this year the district will engage its vocal and choir participants.
On Wednesday, 3/13, ELECTRIFY YOUR CHOIR masters, Laura Kaye and Nathan Blake, will begin their work with students, focusing their training on technique, movement, and how to incorporate energy into performance. From there, students will participate in live performance rehearsals to put their learnings into action, on stage, culminating with a citywide concert at the Parsons Government Center to share with the community the power of this extraordinary program.
Amy Perras, Instructional Supervisor for the MPS Fine Arts program, is proud of the district’s work and believes this opportunity significantly strengthens student growth far beyond their musical skill. “We are committed to providing students with a variety of unique music experiences and the Electrify Your Symphony program is one of them. Our students will participate in workshops that go beyond music and gain skills that will build confidence, self esteem, and unleash student creativity in a safe and supportive environment. They will then share their talent in a culminating concert with world renown artists - a once in a lifetime experience that we cannot wait to witness!”
Dr. Anna Cutaia, Superintendent of Milford Public Schools, believes the addition of the program reflects the support that the entire community places on opportunities for students to grow. “I am so grateful that the Board of Education supports opportunities for our students to excel in all areas - the academics and the arts. There is power in seeing our young people stretching themselves as musicians, but even more important, stretching themselves beyond their comfort zones and reaping the benefit of that positive power.”
Concert/Ticket Information: Friday, 3/15
Two Shows: 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Online purchase only; $15 for one concert, $23 for both
There will be two performances held on Friday evening, March 15th at the Parsons Government Center. Grade 5-6 vocalists will perform at 5:00; Grade 7-8 vocalists will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now: $15 for one concert, $23 for both. All proceeds go back to the MPS music program. All tickets must be purchased in advance, online. It is recommended that you purchase your tickets as soon as possible, either via this link or by scanning the QR code below.
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About Laura Kaye
Singer, songwriter, performer, and vocal coach Laura Kaye has spent more than two decades empowering young singers as part of the Electrify Your Choir component of EYS, a groundbreaking music education program she runs with world-renowned electric violinist Mark Wood, her husband and partner. Utilizing techniques developed during her own extensive career in the music industry, Laura coaches students to tap into their individual creative potential through self-expression, performance techniques, and more.
As a recording artist and session vocalist, Laura has worked with legendary musicians such as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Sean Lennon and has been featured on countless television shows and advertisements. Laura is also a solo musician who continues to write, record, and perform. As an Artist Mentor, Laura's role involves working with choir students during the course of these all-inclusive workshops, coaching them for the performance, encouraging them to express and explore their individual creativity, and empowering them with leadership skills they can use in every aspect of their lives.
About Nathan Blake
Nathan is a YouTube sensation in the Zumba world, with over 2 million views for his dance videos posted from classes he’s given in more than 40 countries and 6 continents. His well-earned nickname is “Mister Worldwide” and his upbeat, high-energy, charismatic teaching style has gained him a devoted and loyal following.
Nathan has a performing arts degree from Hofstra University and also attended a 2-year dance intensive program at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In addition to his work in the field of Zumba and cardio dance, Blake also performs annually with the Scottish Ballet in Glasglow. Blake currently teaches classes in dance, fitness, kick-boxing, and more in the New York area, and is a true pioneer in his field; having developed his own unique approach called “The Blake Experience.”