Over 100+ Boys Singing and Drumming Together!
The Young Naperville Singers' Boy's and Young Men's Choruses, in collaboration with Neuqua Valley High School, sponsored the 14th Annual Boys Power Sing on Saturday, October 17, 2015. It was a day designed to celebrate male singing in our local community. Participants in the morning's activities numbered over 105, ranging in age from 3rd grade through college. In addition to the two YNS groups, members of the three NVHS choirs joined in as well as over 35 boys from the Naperville Community.
The morning began with a large drum circle on the auditorium stage of Neuqua Valley HS. Guys of all ages took their turns at the drums, sitting side by side, celebrating their individual and collective rhythms! With over 20 drums and 100 plus drummers, it was an exciting way to begin the day. Leading the drum circle were members of the Boy's Chorus, in tandem with BC Director, Ryan Henry.
Throughout the remainder of the morning, the singers were introduced to several songs representing music from around the world. Ryan Henry said, "They learned a gospel-style "Wings of a Dove", a cool arrangement of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", a super energetic South African song called "Amavolovolo", a guitar-led "Sing Our Own Song", and a powerful piece called "Who Are the Brave?" The boys also had the pleasure of watching an incredible A Cappella group, NIU's Huskie Hunks . Not only did the Hunks perform well, but they authentically taught our boys some of their own music, which was very neat to watch."
The Huskie Hunks served as Guest Artists. The 11 voice ensemble shared several tunes with the attendees, ranging from a Queen Medley to a Journey cover. A highlight of the morning was when the members of the Huskie Hunks taught the BPS Singers "Come and Go With Me".
The day concluded with an informal demonstration concert comprised of all the above mentioned tunes, performed by the collective singers of the BPS as well as the Huskie Hunks.
YNS Staff Members, Ryan Henry and Brett Goad served as hosts and facilitators for the day. Also assisting were Dr. Steve Grives, Loras College as well as Anthony Pape, Brookdale and Young Elementary School. Matthew Gemmill, also of the YNS Staff, served as accompanist. Special thanks to J. Ryan Rimington and Neuqua Valley High School for hosting.
"The connections that were made from 4th grade boys through college guys were remarkable. It was so exciting for Mr. Goad, Mr. Gemmill, and myself to watch all the guys share their passion for singing together. This is what community and mentoring is all about! It is neat to see how Naperville is becoming an advocacy center for boys singing together." (Ryan Henry)