For the Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Leora Schwitters, artistic director and founder of Rainier Youth Choirs, recently was presented the Washington American Choral Directors Association (WA-ACDA) Leadership and Service Award for 2014.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The organization’s 400-plus membership recognizes one member each year at its annual state conference. Schwitters is director of RYC’s young women’s ensemble and colla voce choir and co-director of RYC’s consonare choir.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The honor recognizes Schwitters for her outstanding musicianship and leadership. The recipient of the award must have produced outstanding choirs worthy of regional and national performances; programmed the highest quality literature for all music periods appropriate to performers’ abilities; demonstrated excellence in rehearsal with singers of all ages and ability levels inspiring many to become skilled musicians; and supported ACDA as a loyal member, strong promoter and effective leader making a difference in opportunities for singers and choral directors.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Before launching RYC, Schwitters taught K-12 public school choral, instrumental and general music for 25 years. Most of her choral experience came at Cedar Heights Junior High in Kent, where her choirs performed in state and regional conferences for the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) and ACDA.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Schwitters holds a degree in music, summa cum laude, from Yankton College Conservatory of Music (S.D.) and a master of arts for teachers in music education from the University of Washington. She is a past president of WA-ACDA and is certified in choral music experience.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n She also has served on the Tahoma Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing board, has presided over the Green River Music Educators Association, and is a member of the National Association for Music Education, NW Kod\u00e1ly Educators, and Chorus America.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In addition to being the guiding force of RYC, Schwitters conducted the 2014 WMEA Junior All State Choir and the Green River Music Region’s Honor Choir in 2012 and 2014.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “Our kids are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Leora Schwitters, and we are very lucky to have an artistic director of her caliber right here in the Kent\/Covington area,” said RYC parent Kathy Gendreau.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Changes for the new season<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n RYC adds three new groups (second-third grade choir, young women’s and men’s ensembles).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n All RYC choir directors are certified music teachers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Auditions are being scheduled for second grade through 14th grade students. Auditions are low key, relaxed and about 10 minutes long with parents strongly encouraged to be present.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Most choirs begin Monday rehearsals Sept. 8.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org<\/a> or call 253-315-3125 for more information.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n