Helena Youth Choir
Carol Waniata, Artistic
Director
Founded in 1982 by Les Cramer as the Helena Boychoir, the Helena
Youth Choir provides young singers an opportunity to learn and grow academically,
emotionally, and spiritually through the pursuit of excellence in music. Comprised
of singers 9 to 16, the Helena Youth Choir promotes self-confidence,
self-expression, cooperation, and the satisfaction of working as an ensemble
to achieve artistic excellence. Under the direction of Artistic
Director & Conductor Carol Waniata, the Helena Youth Choir performs
two major concerts each season in the Helena region in addition to over
twenty performances for events in Helena, including official functions
for the state.
The Helena Youth Choir promotes the mission of youth making
music throughout Montana and the world. During the
history of the Helena Youth Choir, the ensemble has performed
in Japan, Germany, Austria, the former USSR, Eastern Europe,
the British Isles, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium,
and during a mass at the Vatican. This summer the Choir
will tour and perform throughout China.
The Helena Youth Choir has appeared with the
Helena Symphony for the past three four seasons including
in the Family Holiday Concert, Carl Orff’s Carmina
Burana, Puccini’s La Bohème and
this Season in the Family Holiday Concert and Bizet’s Carmen.
Carol Waniata, Artistic Director
Becoming involved with the Helena Youth Choir in 1984, Artistic
Director Carol Waniata originally served as vocal coach,
tour director, chaperone, accompanist, and active parent
before becoming Artistic Director & Conductor in 1992.
A native of Glasgow, Montana, Ms. Waniata received a degree
in music education from the University of Montana and has
taught choral music in public schools for four years. As
an accompanist, she accompanied Carroll College Choir for
several years and currently continues to accompany middle
and high school choruses as well as maintaining a private
piano studio. In addition Ms. Waniata has an active
career as a choral singer, performing with the Helena Symphony
Chorale and St. Paul's Methodist Chancel Choir since moving
to Helena in 1976 and most recently with the Helena Chamber
Singers.
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