DCYC performs at Maryland Young Voices Festival

Deer Creek Youth Choir had a wonderful experience participating in the annual Maryland Young Voices Festival this past Saturday. Youth choirs from across the state came together for a day of music and community, with special instruction from guest conductor, Dr. Angie Kasper. The festival concluded with a concert highlighting each choir individually and culminating with all groups performing together. This year’s festival was extra special as it coincided with the American Choral Directors Association’s Children’s & Community Youth Choir Conductors’ Retreat taking place in Baltimore over the same weekend. The youth choirs were thrilled to have the retreat participants in the audience for their concert.

One piece DCYC performed was “Stars I Shall Find” by Victor Johnson. One of the conductors passed along a video of their performance to Mr. Johnson who sent this message to Julie Culotta, Artistic Director of Deer Creek Youth Choir, to share with her singers:

Dear Ms. Culotta and the Deer Creek Youth Choir,

Congratulations to you all on your wonderful performance at the ACDA Children’s Choir Retreat. I was thrilled to see a video of your performance, and I felt compelled to reach out and share how deeply it moved me.

Your sensitivity, musicality, and beautifully unified vocal tone were truly superb. Every phrase was shaped with such care and intention, and the sincerity of your performance came through so clearly. It is evident that this choir sings not only with technical excellence, but with heart.

“Stars I Still Find” is a composition that is especially close to my heart, and whenever I hear it performed, I am always profoundly moved and deeply grateful. Hearing your interpretation reminded me of why I wrote the piece in the first place. You honored the music in a way that was both honest and inspiring, and I cannot thank you enough for that gift.

I extend my congratulations to each singer for their hard work and artistry, and my admiration to you, Julie, for your thoughtful and expressive leadership. I wish the Deer Creek Youth Choir continued success and joy in all your future performances. I look forward to hearing more beautiful performances from you in the days ahead.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes,
Victor C. Johnson