For the Reporter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Rainier Youth Choirs has introduced Karen Martin as director of its new choir.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n New this fall, Vocina Choir \u2013\u00a0Italian for “little voice” \u2013 will introduce children entering grades two and three to vocal, rhythm and performance skills.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Martin will lead the exploration of songs and music through activities and games that will prepare 18 children to perform with confidence and commitment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Martin is the general music specialist at Kent Elementary, where she also runs the Music Academy, an after-school music program for students, staff and parents that provides instruction and performance in steel drums, mariachi, musical theater, choir, piano and guitar.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n She holds a bachelor of science degree in instrumental music from Moorhead State University (Minn.) and a master of arts degree in music with an emphasis in choral conducting from Pacific Lutheran University.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Martin has been the conductor of the Evergreen Women’s Chorale in Kent for 27 years. She is a lifetime member of the American Choral Director’s Association and has served as Washington state chair for the Middle School and Community choirs.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Rainier Youth Choirs, a nonprofit, community program, offers chorus levels for singers in grades 2 through 14.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Auditions for RYC’s 2014-2015 season are being scheduled now. The auditions are informal where candidates sing a simple song like “Happy Birthday” and do some fun echoing exercises.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n