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Young Artists Program

Artistic Director, Tony Thornton, and Board President, Thomas LaFrance, represented LACA in The Choral Music Project, a collaboration between Vocal Planet Publishing, Los Angeles Choral Artists, and the Beyond the Bell Branch of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This project was made possible through the vision of Dorothy Padilla, Director, the facilitation of Tony White, Coordinator, and support of Alvaro Cort?s, Assistant Superintendent ? all of the Beyond the Bell Branch. This branch of the LAUSD has a core commitment to ensuring that students have access to education and enrichment programs that extend beyond the regular school day.

In May, Tony Thornton conducted choral master classes with six school ensembles: Birmingham High School Chamber Singers (Michael Suffolk, conductor), Dodson Middle School Advanced Chorus (Carla Pelletier, conductor), Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School Junior Choir (Rachel Lee, conductor), North Hollywood High School Vocal Ensemble (Christopher Rodriguez, conductor), Walter Reed Middle School Advanced Choir (Janice Kueppers, conductor), and Venice High School Allegros (Wendy Kornbeck, conductor). During the master classes, students gained valuable tips on body alignment, breathing, and vocal production. Their teachers received coaching to encourage and shape the best possible sound. The students were able to see firsthand that their teachers are equally eager, open, and committed to learning new things.

The culminating event of the project was a choral showcase featuring all six ensembles at the Santee Education Complex on Friday, June 6. Each ensemble presented two works that were coached during the master class sessions in May. The finale of the showcase included a specially prepared piece, Siyahamba, in which over 200 singers lifted their voices under Tony Thornton?s direction.

Dorothy Padilla, Director of Extended Day Programs at Beyond the Bell, commented that, "I have worked closely with Tony Thornton and Thomas LaFrance for the past three years and have witnessed the profound impact that The Choral Music Project has had on youth and their families and on the Los Angeles community. Their formula for success has been tested on a very challenging service population drawing many of its teen members from the toughest neighborhoods and schools in Los Angeles, and it has been proven to work. The focus on choral music, artistic expression, and creativity have shown positive results for all participants. We are all deeply touched and grateful for the opportunity it provides."

Quotes from the students

"To practice with Mr. LaFrance and Dr. Thornton brings joy to my heart like a good piece of poetry." Dalton Kraatz

"The rehearsal was very helpful and helped us to have a better sound. We learned about different sounds and postures we make while singing. Beyond the Bell program is an absolute privilege." Breanna Winkle

"Beyond the Bell, Thornton, and LaFrance are PURE INSPIRATION." Terrence Lee

"Being in choir has really helped me improve my voice." Ana Alfaro-Flores

"I loved the rehearsal. It was full of excitement and you taught us all very important information needed to expand our voices and repair the flaws in our songs." Jonathan Tang