Youth Choir Director Gay Galvin gathers with members of the Yuba Sutter Kids & Teens Youth Choir following its 2024 holiday performance. The choir will begin rehearsals Sept. 22 for this year’s “Starry Nights and Christmas Lights” concert, set for Dec. 10 at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Young singers in third through 12th grades can take part in an 11-week youth choir program beginning Sept. 22 in preparation for a December holiday concert in Yuba City.

Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture's Kids & Teens Youth Choir will rehearse Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts, 754 Plumas St. The choir will not rehearse during Thanksgiving week.

The program will conclude with "Starry Nights and Christmas Lights," a holiday concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the theater.

Musician and music educator Gay Galvin will return to direct the choir. The program focuses on vocal techniques, harmony, rhythm, stage presence and performing as an ensemble.

Galvin holds a master's degree in music and has experience in classical and jazz music. She has performed with big bands, musical theater productions, jazz trios, classical ensembles and rock bands. She has also taught choir to singers of different ages.

Originally from Ohio, Galvin began singing and playing piano at age 6. She is also a co-founder of the Yuba Sutter Big Band.

The youth choir operates through Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture's Arts in Education programming. Organizers say the program aims to give young singers performance experience while developing their musical skills and confidence.

Registration costs $65 and covers the 11-week program, final performance and a choir T-shirt.

Registration and additional information are available at yubasutterarts.org or by calling Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture at 530-742-2787.