Summer Singers to perform July 13

Date: 7/11/2012

July 11, 2012

By Lori Szepelak

lori@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — For the past two weeks, students from across Western Massachusetts have been immersed in a singing enrichment program that not only teaches how to move an audience emotionally, but also the importance of self confidence and dedication to one's craft.

Dan Kane, founder of the Dan Kane Singers, is hosting the sold out 10th annual Summer Singing Enrichment Program for Young Singers at North Middle School, July 2 to 13. Students range in age from 6 to 15.

"It is an educational fact that those students that are actively involved in music do better in school than the students that do not partake in music classes," Kane said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Kane explained the enrichment program centers on "self confidence, the ability to get up in front of people and present yourself, commitment, dedication and most importantly, singing allows you to move and touch an audience emotionally."

Kane added that in times of trouble or celebration "there is nothing more beautiful and more powerful than a voice. It reaches down deep inside of us and helps us to heal or to be joyous."

The program introduces students to a wide variety of songs so they can be exposed to more than just what is played on the radio, according to Kane.

"Our program runs the gambit from the Beatles to Broadway and from country to classic rock," he said. "Each year we keep some of the same songs that the audience loves to hear and keep adding new ones to our repertoire."

Kane noted that the variety of songs adds to the students' ability to entertain a wider audience while expanding their own musical vocabulary and knowledge.

"We are trying to teach them lesson number one — your music selections in a concert should be geared to pleasing your audience and not just yourself," he said.

Kane praised his staff of student counselors and noted they are "gifted singers" who often perform with the Dan Kane Singers. Also, Kane employs teachers from several local school systems and music studios.

"They know first hand about the local music scene," he said. "It is the only summer program that features singing as its major focus while also incorporating dance class and keyboard class to our curriculum."

Kane emphasized that his musical program "helps to ignite a passion for quality music through different mediums with singing as the core."

Children rotate through various classes, just like in school. Each class is 30 minutes, which maintains a high-energy level while keeping it interesting.

"The young singers love Rock Band, then Dance class, then Keyboard class, then Solo class, wrapping up with Chorus in the afternoon," Kane said. "When you hear 152 quality children's voices, you get the goose bumps, I mean really get the goose bumps."

The students were the featured entertainment at River Front Park before the Grucci fireworks during the July Fourth Star Spangled Springfield event, and will round out their performances on July 13 at the North Middle School at 1 p.m. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long and will feature the music that the students have learned during the past two weeks. The event is open to the public.

"What an outstanding opportunity to use their skills as singers in the real world first hand," Kane said.

For more information on the program, visit www.dankanesingers.org.