Youth chorus takes on Glee!

Got Glee fever? A group of local middle schoolers have come together for their own Glee experience.

Students in the Patel Conservatory Youth Chorus will get the chance to strut their stuff Glee-style this weekend.

“It’s really fun,” said Ellie Bass, a seventh grade student in the class, “We’ve worked really hard to bring it together, and now we get to perform it.”

Ellie joined the Patel Conservatory this summer, trying a couple of different camps, including rock and roll camp. She enjoyed it so much, she signed up for the Youth Chorus, a new class in the Patel Conservatory music program.

“We’ve learned different vocal warm-ups, songs and dances,” said Ellie.

“The goal of the class is to give students performing arts experience by being a student outreach group,” said instructor Liz Stewart.

The group will perform various songs, including the girls’ sing-off from an episode of the popular television show Glee, this Saturday at Novemberfest at Nativity Church.

Their line-up also includes What a Wonderful World and Dust in the Wind.

“I’m trying to expose them to many styles of singing and performance styles,” said Stewart. “They’re working on their craft and learning how to prepare a show.”

By performing at local events like Novemberfest throughout the year, students gain valuable performance experience and serve the community at the same time.

The group may perform at the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival.

“Performing at a carnival or state fair plants the seed for their talent,” said Stewart. “They learn to embrace being in front of an audience so they have no fear.”

She points out that that many high school choral programs can be quite competitive. Participating in a class like show chorus can help middle schoolers gain experience and be more prepared for a high school program.

Stewart has taught performing arts in the Tampa area for several years, and has been the choral director at Riverview High School for the past six years. Many of her former students are now professional performers.

“It’s easy to learn from her [Stewart] because she’s really experienced and she makes it fun,” said Ellie.

You can check out the Patel Conservatory Youth Chorus this Saturday at noon at Nativity Church in Brandon.

Or check out the class for yourself, every Monday at 6 p.m., and you can be part of the fun!