(Rome, NY- Dec. 2015) The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley (Rome, Oneida, New Hartford) has created two events coming up on Dec. 17 to celebrate their Christian heritage and mission.
The Y has partnered with the Rome City School District and the Rome Rescue Mission to give back to the community by bringing back the famed Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble for a benefit concert at the Rome Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m. The Y and the Choir have worked together in the past, when in 2006, the Choir participated in the Y’s Recording and Film project, titled “Hope Is In Me-A Musical Journey.” The Choir performed two songs with the Y’s wind ensemble, “Let Him Soar” and “There is a Beacon in New York Harbor,” which were included in the CD and DVD recordings that were nominated for a Feel Good Film Festival Award in Hollywood in 2013.
This year, the Y has reunited with the Choir to offer a benefit Christmas concert in support of the Y’s Changing Lives Campaign- raising funds for scholarships for members of the Y who cannot afford programs and services. “Back in 2008, we took our kids down to NYC to perform with the Choir on 9/11 at the NYC Public Library,” said Hank Leo, CEO. “More than 600 watched the performance on the streets. We always said we wanted to keep the relationship going. After all of these years, we are blessed to have this talented group of caring singers grace us, and help raise funds for the Y.”
Members of The Alumni Ensemble, ages 17 and up, were trained throughout their youth and teen years in both technical and professional performance excellence with the world-renowned Boys Choir of Harlem, Inc. As adults, they continue the tradition of excellence as ambassadors of world-class musical talent and epitomizing the impact of music to uplift and inspire today’s youth. An elite mix of 10 to 20 male and female musicians and vocalists in harmony, The Alumni Ensemble is unlike any other ensemble or choir performing today – offering spectacular performances ranging from classical, gospel, popular, inspirational, jazz, and R&B music.
Earlier in the morning on Dec. 17 the Y is hosting its first ever Prayer Breakfast. In conjunction with its Christian mission, the Y is gathering members and guests to say group prayers for Y members and others who are struggling with physical challenges, such as cancer.
“A day doesn’t go by when we hear of a Y member who has cancer, or who has a loved one that is in need of prayer. We have several pastors who are members of the Y as well. We’ve asked them to come together for these needs. It’s pretty special,” said Leo.
Pastors Randy Phillips (New Beginnings Church, Wampsville) and Arthur Atkins (Rome Wesleyan Church, Rome) will assist in the event, as well as Pastor Charles Garrison, lead pastor of the New Genesis Bible Church in New Orleans, who will serve as the keynote speaker. Garrison is also a poet, and his church was devastated during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He will speak about the power of prayer during difficult times. Pastor “When you have Christ in a crisis the crisis is not yours its Christ’s,” Garrison said.
The Breakfast will be held at the Beeches at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are available at the Rome or Oneida YMCA front desks, and online for those also attending the concert at www.romecapitol.com.
After the Breakfast, the Choir travels to Staley Upper Elementary School in Rome for a workshop with students of the school. Jennifer Cossette, Director of Development said, “The workshop is part of the Y’s continuing educational workshop series in partnership with the schools. We were awarded a grant through Oneida County, called “Partners in Prosperity”, made possible by County Executive Anthony Picente. This grant allows us to give kids the opportunity to hear music they would not otherwise experience. It’s another way for the Y to give back.”
The Y has been able to bring several artists to the Rome School District this fall though the grant.
“The YMCA is inspiring our students’ natural love of music with the Music Appreciation Workshops. We are delighted to have the famed Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble present to our students,” said Jeffrey Simons, Rome City School District Superintendent.
The Y is encouraging participants at all of their “Celebrate the C” events coming up on the 17th to bring a canned food item, or article of clothing to donate to the Rome Rescue Mission.
“We are so very appreciative and overwhelmed by the community’s continued support,” said Donna Burch, Rescue Mission Development Director. “Whenever we have a need they are there to help. We are so thankful for the YMCA and the Capitol Theatre for reaching out to us to offer help during this time of year when it is very much needed.”
The Y can be reached by visiting their website at www.ymcatrivalley.org.