April 29, 2013

Imagine a world without art.

Ceilidh Chids perform tonight at WICA. (Photo courtesy of Rumi Keast)

Youth in Arts can’t. That’s why every year the program showcases the work of student artists at its annual spring showcase. Youth In Arts 2013 welcomes the community to attend this important event which honors the art of young people, the future artists of the world.

Tonight, Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley student artists will give various musical performances. Visual artwork will be displayed all week at WICA by Don Wodjenski’s South Whidbey High School art classes, as well as Langley Middle School art class work under the direction of Kathy Gianni and Jess Monett.

Performances are on the WICA mainstage and include:

• Monday, April 29: Island Strings, the Ceilidh Chids and ICTHUS will peform.

• Tuesday, April 30: Langley Middle School (LMS) 6th Grade Band Chamber Recital, LMS Jazz Band and LMS Jazz Combo.

• Thursday, May 2: South Whidbey Elementary School (SWES) Talent Show followed by the Rubatano Center’s Shumba, Oasis Home School Program and the Chenjera ensembles.

Each performance is held at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and will begin at 6:30pm. Admission is a suggested $5 donation at the door to fund future events. Children five and younger are free, and families of four or more are asked for a suggested donation of $15.

Information on some of the musical groups:

• Island Strings, a coalition of string teachers on South Whidbey, will celebrate their 40th anniversary next year in fostering Whidbey’s string players. Calyx Community Arts School, sponsored by South Whidbey Tilth, is multilingual arts and nature integrated learning for the whole child (ages 5 to 8). Contact: Linda Good (llgood@langleywa.com, 360-221-6439)
• Ceilidh Chids, Whidbey’s unique youth string ensemble, founded in 2010 is directed by Roxallanne Medley, concertmaster of Saratoga Orchestra. They meet weekly and perform at least three concerts each season.Contact: Roxallanne Medley (rkmedley1@gmail.com, 360-713-1886)
• ICTHUS, a youth vocal group, founded in 2009, is directed by Karl Olsen, music director of Trinity Lutheran Church and a member of the Brothers Four. They meet weekly and perform at church services and community events. Contact: Karl Olsen (karl@trinityfreeland.org, 360-331-5195)

(Pictured at top are Aja Cooper, Spencer Jonas and Aaliyah Kois playing  recorders.at Calyx Community Art School under the direction of Linda Good/David Welton photo.)