It’s show time! Young Americans performance workshop supports children’s development

Nearly 100 Camp Zama youth members perform alongside The Young Americans during a community concert earlier this year. The Young Americans comes to Stuttgart April 30 to May 2. — U.S. Army photos by Terrence Holden.
Nearly 100 Camp Zama youth members perform alongside The Young Americans during a community concert earlier this year. The Young Americans comes to Stuttgart April 30 to May 2. — U.S. Army photos by Terrence Holden.

USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office

Did you know that students involved in music programs achieve higher SAT scores, are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse?

According to the Arts Education Partnership, evidence-based studies show that “music education equips students with the foundational abilities to learn, to achieve in other core academic subjects, and to develop the capacities, skills and knowledge essential for lifelong success.”

Because music matters, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Child, Youth and School Services has invited the internationally-acclaimed music outreach troupe, The Young Americans, to conduct a workshop for Stuttgart military children in grades three to 12 on April 30 to May 2.

The Young Americans is a nonprofit music education organization that has worked with more than 700,000 children around the world since 1992, including U.S. military youth in Japan and the United Kingdom earlier this year.

The cast of 45 college-age singers and dancers, and staff will present a comprehensive performance workshop that will cover everything from vocal techniques, dance and comedy improvisation, to stage movement, sound and lighting, while teaching participants to work together, respect each other’s strengths and discover their own potential.

After three days of intensive performance instruction, the students will show off what they have learned in a community concert where they will perform with The Young Americans.

The workshop will be held at the Patch High School gym April 30 and May 1 from 3-8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2.

The community concert is scheduled for May 2 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Patch Fitness Center.

The cost of the workshop is $75. Parents can register their children at Parent Central Services, Building 2347, Patch Barracks.

Organizers are reaching out to community families to host The Young Americans in their homes.

“Families have the special opportunity to serve as hosts offering cast members a place to stay while they conduct the workshop. The special bonding and relationship building that goes on between host families and cast members is thoroughly worthwhile,” said Jenny Walters, who is helping to organize the workshop.

Families are asked to provide accommodations (sleeping quarters, showers and meals) for two or more performers for three days and nights, along with transportation to and from Patch High each day of the event, and to Patch Barracks on May 3, when The Young Americans will depart.

For more information on the workshop or hosting cast members, visit Facebook and search for “Stuttgart Young Americans,” or send an email to stuttgartyoungamericans@gmail.com.