Many Voices Youth Singers Spring Concert
June 1 @ 4:00 pm
Saturday, June 1
Doors: 3:30pm | Show: 4:00pm
Theme: Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope
The Many Voices Mechanics Hall Youth Singers are thrilled to present our 2024 Spring Season Lift Every Voice: Songs of Hope. This program represents diverse musical perspectives calling for peace, human connection, and love. Where words fail, music can transcend all differences, conflicts, and limitations. In celebration of the historic figures depicted in the new portraits commission of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and William and Martha Brown, the musical selections are meant to empower every singer and listener so that they know they are the key to making our world a better place.
Music selections include Hall of Fame by the Script; Glorious by Stephanie Mabey/arr. Masa Fukuda; Oye (Spanish text) by Jim Papoulis; Lift Every Voice (African American Anthem) by James Johnson; and Many Voices Anthem by Lindsey and Reagan Paras.
Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can
Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers
Many Voices is the anchor youth program at Mechanics Hall, a recognition that Worcester’s children are the heart and soul of our richly multicultural city. Open to 5th and 6th graders from every Worcester neighborhood, this non-auditioned chorus gives children from all backgrounds the opportunity to practice and perform at Mechanics Hall — their own “home” concert hall. Under professional direction, they learn to sing a variety of music, build friendships, and work toward excellence — together and in harmony. There is no cost to participate in the chorus.
Many Voices made its debut during the Mechanics Hall free Founder’s Day event, Sunday, October 16, 2022.
The Many Voices Vision
Our vision is to present music from around the world — contemporary and classic — and selected with the cultures and music of our young voices in mind.
What Many Voices Offers Worcester Youth
Many Voices will allow every interested 5th & 6th grade student living in or attending school in Worcester to:
- participate in a musical program that cultivates deep and meaningful experiences of cross-cultural friendships, harmonization, teamwork, and a taste of excellence
- build a singing practice, try new things, and improve their skills
- perform for public audiences and for each other, with and without instrumental accompaniment
- experience Worcester’s renowned Mechanics Hall as their own concert hall
- learn from and perform with collegiate and adult choral singers
2024 MVYS Registration is NOW OPEN!!
For questions, please email ccarney@mechanicshall.org.
Artistic Director
Reagan G. Paras, serves as the Director of Music Education & Choral Activities for Anna Maria College. He received his Master’s of Music Education from Gordon College. He is currently pursuing his PhD of Philosophy in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A passionate conductor, singer, and educator, he has directed performance tours across the U.S. and abroad. He co-founded two professional chamber choirs: Diamonds From the Dust, and Vellichor, where he serves as a board member and singing artist. He is a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for various music festivals nationwide. He is a global instructor for the Kodaly Music Institute, as well as the director of the children’s chorus Sing!. A passionate advocate for music education, Reagan serves on various music association executive boards throughout the northeast.
Managing Director
Christon Carney, a native of Nashville, TN, received his M.Mus. in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory, and his B.Mus. in Music Education from Lipscomb University. He debuted as Giuseppe in Nashville Opera’s production of La Traviata, and performs with the Boston Lyric Opera. He has been a concert soloist with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, the Heimermann Chorale, and has extensive choral experience. His honors received include the prestigious ABRSM Diploma in Voice, and finalist in the Alltech Vocal Scholarship Competition. A compelling recitalist, performances include the Music at Trinity Music School and Mechanics Hall’s Concerts Plus series. He has been lead tenor at many religious organizations, including Worcester’s Parish of All Saints. He is currently Education and Outreach Coordinator at Mechanics Hall, and is a vocal instructor at the Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester.
