Berks Youth Chorus facts for kids

Berks Youth Chorus (BYC) is a singing group for kids and teens in Reading, Pennsylvania. They sing all kinds of music, from classical to pop. Singers are in grades three through twelve. They come from Berks and nearby areas. The group started in 1992. It helps young people learn about music and perform.

The Story of Berks Youth Chorus

How it Started

The Berks Youth Chorus began in 1992. It was first called the Berks Classical Children's Chorus. Donald Hinkle started the group. Their very first concert was on November 8, 1992. It took place at Governor Mifflin Senior High School. In 1993, the chorus sang with the Reading Choral Society. They performed a famous piece called Carmina Burana.

Growing and Changing

The chorus started with 60 members. Soon, more than 100 students joined. In 1996, the group went on its first trip. They traveled to Washington, D.C.. That same year, a special group for high schoolers began. It was called the MasterSingers.

In 1997, Dail Richie became the Executive Director. She helped manage the group. In 1999, Donald Hinkle became the Artistic Director. This meant he was in charge of the music.

New Home and New Name

In 2005, the chorus moved its practice space. They moved to GoggleWorks. This is a local arts center. Donald Hinkle, the founder, retired that same year.

In 2009, the chorus started Summer Sing camps. These camps are free for kids in grades three to six. They happen in downtown Reading. In 2012, the group changed its name. It became Berks Youth Chorus (BYC). This new name showed all the different kinds of music they sang.

Singing Groups You Can Join

Berks Youth Chorus has different groups for different ages. Each group helps singers learn and grow.

• Choristers (Grades 3 – 4): This group is for younger singers. They learn the basics of music. They learn how to sing in a chorus. Michael Adams is their director.
• Chorale (Grades 5 – 7): This is a mid-level group. They build on the skills learned in Choristers. This group performs at BYC concerts. They also sing at other events by invitation. They have performed with the Reading Symphony Orchestra. They also sang with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. Sam Barge is their director.
• MasterSingers (Girls in Grades 8 – 12; Boys with Changed Voices): This is an advanced group. It includes high school girls and boys whose voices have changed. Like the Chorale, they perform at BYC concerts. They also sing at other events by invitation. They have performed with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. They also sang with The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. Other performances include the Reading Choral Society and Wheatland Chorale. Sam Barge is their director.