Yuma Youth Choir to perform Nov. 14
The Yuma Youth Choir wants to take music lovers "Around the World in 80 Minutes," showcasing revolutionary music both old and new, that changed the world.
The audience will be transported to Africa and Europe and treated to diverse musical styles surging from Disney and (Bob) Dylan to Mozart and Michael Jackson.
"I had a vision of performing music that changed the world in some way," explained choir director Beth Tibbs, Ph.D. "We are presenting four historic periods of music. Each of those periods was a revolution. Music always follows society and cultural trends."
"Around the World in 80 Minutes" takes off Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 Main St. The show will begin at 7 p.m.
Admission to the performance of the Yuma Youth Choir will be a $5 donation. The choir plans to use proceeds from the concert to help fund an upcoming trip to Europe. The choir will travel to Italy next summer for a musical tour that will culminate with a performance at the Vatican.
"Around the World in 80 Minutes" is being sponsored by Dr. Terry and Cheryl Lewis. Tibbs explained that being sponsored allows the choir to apply all the concert's proceeds toward the trip.
"This is truly awesome," Tibbs said. "We are really fortunate to have community members who believe in our dreams."
The Yuma Youth Choir boasts 40 young voices ranging in age from 8 years old to singers in their early 20s. Tibbs formed the choir in 2003, a time when she was alarmed at the erosion of music programs in area schools. Since its creation, the choir has traveled to Europe twice, including performances at a celebration for Mozart's birthday in Germany and at famed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
"Around the World in 80 Minutes" will present four musical revolutions.
The first will be "The Revolution of Classical Music." Audiences will be presented music from classic composers like Shubert, Mozart and from the contemporary composer Randall Stroup.
The second period will be "The Music of the African Diaspora." This segment will feature styles of music touched by Africans living in other cultures around the world.
"They took their music to these places and new music was created," Tibbs said, pointing to calypso, jazz and spirituals.
The third period will be called "A Tribute to Disney."
"I think the lives of everyone living right now has somehow been affected by Walt Disney," Tibbs said, adding that songs will be presented from "Lion King" and "Dumbo."
The evening will conclude with one final revolution - "The Movers and Shakers of Rock Music." Pieces in this segment will range from music by the Beatles to Elvis. The choir will also perform the memorable song "We are the World."
The choir is also raising funds for the Europe trip by doing all kinds of odd jobs around town. Choir members are being hired by families, businesses and organizations to work for their donations. People with a favorite charity are also hiring choir members to perform work for this charitable organizations.
"We are getting a lot of jobs, which is great. But we still have a few students interested in Europe who still need work," Tibbs said.
People interesting in hiring a choir member can call Tibbs at 317-6019 or send an e-mail to yumayouthchoir@yahoo.com.
Donations may also be sent to the Yuma Youth Choir, PO Box 841, Yuma Arizona, 85365.
Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.
