Berks Youth Chorus facts for kids

Berks Youth Chorus (BYC) is a special group for young singers. It was first called the Berks Classical Children’s Chorus. BYC is based in Reading, Pennsylvania. They perform all kinds of music, like classical, modern, and popular songs. Singers are in grades three through twelve. They come from Berks and nearby counties. Donald Hinkle started the group in 1992. BYC helps young people learn about music and perform together. It is an important place for music in Berks County.

The Story of BYC

Berks Classical Children's Chorus started in 1992. Donald Hinkle was the founder. Their very first concert was on November 8, 1992. It happened at Governor Mifflin Senior High School in Shillington, Pennsylvania.

On April 24, 1993, the chorus sang with the Reading Choral Society. They performed in a famous show called Carmina Burana. The group began with 60 members. Later, more than 100 students joined the chorus!

In 1996, the chorus went on its first trip. They toured to Washington, D.C.. Later that year, a group for high schoolers began. It was called the MasterSingers. In 1997, Dail Richie became the executive director. She helped with many important tasks.

In 1999, Donald Hinkle became the Artistic Director. This was a new role for the group. In 2005, BYC moved its practice space and office. They moved to GoggleWorks, a local arts center. That same year, Donald Hinkle retired from the chorus.

Four years later, in 2009, the chorus started Summer Sing camps. These camps are held in downtown Reading. They are free for children in grades three through six. In 2012, the group changed its name. It became Berks Youth Chorus (BYC). This new name showed all the different types of music they sang.

Singing Groups at BYC

BYC has different groups for different ages and skill levels.

• All Stars (Girls and Boys in Grades 3 – 4): This is a group for beginners. They learn the basics of music. They also learn how to sing in a chorus. Rachel Ohnsman is the director for the All Stars.

• Chorale (Girls and Boys in Grades 5 – 8): Chorale is a group for singers who are a bit more experienced. They build on the skills learned in All Stars. This group performs in BYC concerts. They also get invited to sing at other events. They have performed with the Reading Symphony Orchestra. They also sang with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. Sam Barge directs the Chorale.

• MasterSingers (Girls in Grades 8 – 12; Boys with Changed Voices): The MasterSingers are an advanced group. They sing many different parts together. Like the Chorale, they perform in BYC concerts. They also get invited to sing at special events. They have performed with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. They also sang with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Reading Choral Society. They have also performed with the Wheatland Chorale. Sam Barge also directs the MasterSingers.