December 8, 2004
Trio hits right note with Young Americans
Three Central High School seniors accepted into Young Americans show choir based in California
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Three Traverse City Central High School seniors may be singing "California, Here I Come" this summer as they pursue their dreams of a professional musical career.
Amanda Wyskochil, Chelsee Oaks and Katelyn Catino have all been accepted into the Young Americans show choir and the associated California Pacific College of Performing Arts.
With a goal of being a Broadway performer someday, Catino said she is "150 percent" sure she is going, drawn by the extensive performing opportunities. A generalist who likes to sing numerous styles of music, Catino seriously pursued gymnastics for ten years before giving it up to have a 'normal life.' Normal to her meant more time to sing and dance.
"I like one style of music one day and another style the next," she said. "I've always found my home on stage and in front of people."
Catino noted that after a year of college classes during the day, performing classes at night and Young Americans group on weekends, participants might formally audition to be a cast member. The casts travel throughout the United States and overseas to perform.
"This program is perfect because it is not formal and that's why I like it the most," said Catino, who has been singing since the fifth grade. "And you get so much more experience than in a regular performing arts school, so much more practical experience."
Already a polished professional singer, Oaks is drawn to the Young Americans program but not yet sure she will go. She auditioned this summer when one of the casts was in town and has received an acceptance letter.
"It's my second choice, I really want to go to Belmont University in Nashville," noted Oaks, who first sang at a talent show when she was 11, discovering a huge natural talent. "But it's a very big possibility."
Oaks is very drawn to the Young Americans' mission of traveling to sing and teach music throughout the world. She recalled that the show she watched this summer in Traverse City blew her away.
"Coming from performing myself, it was amazing and it was like, 'I want to be a part of this,'" she recalled. "I hung out with them in the summer around my regular gigs in the area."
Although she has been accepted into the program and is eager to be a Young American, Wyskochil may not be able to swing the college tuition. But she's determined to try.
Her private voice teacher, Candace Wallace, told her of the group and invited her to see them this summer. As with Oaks, the audition was an informal one on the spot after a performance.
"I auditioned right in the hallway, I told him [the director] I was interested and he said, 'OK, go!'" said Wyskochil, who has her sights set on a musical performing career. "I sang right there in front of people walking out, but he didn't make me do any dancing."
Catino's audition came after completing a Young Americans outreach program in October in Boyne City. The three-day workshop was divided into sections for grade school, junior high and high school age students. It culminated in an hour-long show put together by the participants.
"It was such a great experience, just to see them work with all those younger kids and to work with us," she said. "They focused mostly on character and work ethic in the workshop and wanted to see how you blended with people, that was apart from your talent and ability."
Jeff Cobb, choral director at Central High School, said he believes these three singers, all of whom had significant roles in the recent run of "Beauty and the Beast," can go as far as their dreams.
"They are all just fantastic kids and I know they will be successful in anything they pursue," he said. "All three are just wonderful ladies and they have a lot of talent and a lot of drive."