BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
More than 185 students filled the halls of Clarkston Middle School Feb. 22-24 to participate in the Young Americans performance workshop.
During the three days of intense rehearsals, students participated in classes that dealt with vocal technique, ensemble and solo singing, stage movement, dance and choreography, sound and recording techniques, musical theatre and comedy.
‘You see how much energy they have and you wonder how they can do it and keep going,? Linda Foran, CMS principal, said. Foran had personal involvement with the Young Americans when her daughter, Dani, toured with the group after high school.
The Young Americans are a group of 44 young adults, interested in the entertainment field, who travel nationally and internationally to perform for eager audiences who are familiar with the 40-year history.
The program was open to Clarkston students fourth grade and above and were separated into groups based on age, yet worked on show songs and routines together.
‘When I see what these kids do in three days, it’s incredible,? Foran said.
The February appearance was the second time the Young Americans performed in Clarkston. The group first came to the area in 2001 and had more than 160 students participate.
‘We had a fabulous response the first time,? Foran said. ‘Once kids have participated, they’re totally involved in it.?
While the program was designed specifically for Clarkston students, the program was open to anyone curious to learn more, according to Foran. Representatives from Lake Orion schools were present as well as one participant from Traverse City.
‘It’s such a positive experience for all those involved, not just the kids,? Foran said.
Participating students were excused from classes on Monday, Feb. 23 to attend the 12-hour workshop in preparation for Tuesday’s big show. The time commitment didn’t faze dedicated students.
‘I’ve been acting all my life, I love acting,? Ben Mackie, a seventh grader at CMS, said. ‘This seems really fun, getting out in front on stage.?
Songs, both old and new, were taught to students by the Young Americans to be performed the night of the show. Songs included such hits as Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Good? to more modern favorites like Will Smith’s ‘Men in Black?.
Students who participated in the program tended to have a drive for performing, just like CMS sixth grader Makenzie Williams. Williams was applauded for picking up dance moves quickly after just the first day of rehearsals.
‘My friends suggested I do it,? Williams said. ‘I like dancing and the concert is really nice.?
Not only did students get involved with program, the Clarkston community did as well. More than 12 families helped house the Young American performers, who stay with area families when on the road.
‘We had families fighting for the homestays,? Foran said. ‘That’s part of Clarkston. It’s an awesome community.?
Families that housed the Young Americans provided food, a place to relax and most importantly, an opportunity to get laundry done. But the experience of the homestay was much more than a chance to get errands done for the performers.
‘The relationships you make with the families feed into your performance,? Charity Zimmerman, Young American, said.
Foran, who coordinated the show’s arrival to Clarkston, received generous support from volunteers in all of the show’s aspects. Katie Dabrowski, Mickie Ginn and Debbie Sabo were just a few of the community members who stepped up to help the Young Americans.
At the end of the three days, students had a concert ready to perform to not only family and friends, but community members as well. Tickets were made available to the public to see what the show was all about.
The Young Americans have appeared in various television and live venues during the four decades they’ve been in existence. They’ve performed with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and even appeared on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show?.
If the excitement on the faces was any example of what Clarkston students thought of the experience, there might be future stars budding in the production.
‘Performing feels the best up on stage,? Chrissie Bingham, a ninth grader at Clarkston High School. ‘I can be whoever I want to be. I love performing.?