Mission Statement
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The Livonia Youth Choir provides children in grades two through eight with the opportunity to participate in a children’s choir of high standard, to further their musical education through the study and performance of fine music, to develop their vocal and musical skills through specialized training, and to develop performance skills throughout the choral experience.
Music Team PersonnelAriel Toews-Ricotta, Musical Director
Ariel Toews-Ricotta is delighted to be in her 17th season with the Livonia Youth Choir. Her association with the program began in January of 2006. During her tenure as Music Director, the Livonia Youth Choir has performed with the Plymouth Symphony and the Celebration Youth Orchestra. Within the Livonia community, the LYC has also performed with the Livonia Civic Chorus, Classical Bells, at Relay for Life, Livonia Holiday Parade and Spree, and has performed as guests of the Livonia Prayer Breakfast. In August of 2021, the Livonia Youth Choir could be heard singing the National Anthem at NASCAR at MIS. Graduates of the LYC have gone on to perform in various music programs of the Livonia community including those of Stevenson and Churchill High School. In addition, many of Ariel’s students from the LYC have auditioned for and performed in Churchill High School’s CAPA Program. As a supporter of school music programs, Ariel is very proud of all the accomplishments of her choir students. Ariel holds a master’s degree in band and choral conducting from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree in flute performance from the University of Denver. In addition to conducting, Ariel is a full-time Registered Nurse at University of Michigan Hospital, having completed an accelerated BSN program at the University of Michigan in 2012. Catherine Rayes, Assistant Director Catherine Rayes began her musical journey when she was in middle school, with voice and piano lessons. A second-generation Livonia native, she attended Churchill High school, where she was very active in both the choral music department and the CAPA program. She graduated from Wayne State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. She began teaching music more than 10 years ago, and has since taught all age levels, from preschool to 12th grade. Currently, she teaches vocal music and acting at Arts Academy in the Woods High School in Fraser, MI. She began working with the Livonia Youth Choir in 2008 as their program assistant. She has enjoyed working with the choir and the community immensely throughout the years. Daphne Mitchell, Accompanist Accompanist Daphne Mitchell has enjoyed playing piano for the Livonia Youth Choir for the past 7 years. She has worked as an accompanist at Livonia Franklin High School, Emerson Middle School and for the Creative and Performing Arts program at Churchill. She has played for musical productions at all three Livonia high schools and is the current accompanist at Plymouth Pioneer Middle School and for the newly formed Northville Chorale, which rehearses at Ward Church. Daphne served as a substitute teacher for Livonia and Plymouth public schools for many years, several times in long-term positions. She accompanies vocal and instrumental Solo and Ensemble student participants. She is currently on the music staff at Redford Aldersgate United Methodist Church and previously served in youth leadership and youth choir and praise band director positions at Dearborn and Royal Oak U.M churches. She has volunteered at U.M. related Lake Louise Christian Community Camp and others for 28 years and is especially proud of their week-long Choir Camp and Camp Beloved, for LGBTQI youth and their allies. Daphne graduated with honors from Adrian College with a B.A. in Music and Religion. |
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Our base of operations is at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 39020 Five Mile in Livonia. We are not affiliated with Holy Trinity or the Lutheran Church. Our Winter and Spring concerts are also held at Holy Trinity. Other community performances may be at alternate locations, depending on the event.
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