Augusta Heritage Center concludes youth musical season

ELKINS -- The Augusta Heritage Center recently concluded its first season of musical activities for area youth.

With support from the Claude-Worthington Benedum Foundation, the center was able to launch a pair of youth music programs this year. The season was capped off with a spring concert that featured the "Voices of Augusta" children's choir and the "Augusta Strings" youth strings program.

Both groups took center stage and performed to a crowd of 170 people at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. Guest artist Angie Richardson came from Charleston to accompany and lead the choir in traditional gospel music and speak about her musical experiences in the coal camp churches in the southern part of the state.

"Through music, we can bridge gaps, transcend barriers, and ignite the imaginations of our youth," said Augusta Heritage Center CEO Seth Young. "The spring concert is a testament to the incredible talent and potential of these young performers, and we are proud to be a part of their artistic journey. The success of this concert is a testament to the collective efforts of these talented individuals who, with their expertise, passion, and commitment, nurtured the artistic growth of the participants and brought their talents to the forefront."

The "Voices of Augusta" choir was made up of children, grades 1st through 6th and was under the direction Olivia Perske and Katlin Exline. The choir showcased the children's remarkable vocal talents and captivated the audience with angelic harmonies and heartfelt renditions of traditional Appalachian, Shape-Note, and Gospel songs. Perske and Exline are both elementary school music teachers in Randolph County.

The "Augusta Strings Program" is made up of students in grades 4th through 12th. The group delivered a performance at the spring concert that showcased the musicality of the young instrumentalists. Participants in the program received instruction in fiddle, banjo, and guitar and played traditional Appalachian string band material. The program was directed by Tessa Dillon, while Jesse Milnes and Kevin Chesser provided instruction to the group.

For more information on the Augusta Heritage Center's fall season of "Voices of Augusta" or the "Augusta Strings Program," go to the organization's Facebook Page or visit www.augustaartsandculture.org.