I Love to Sing! Youth Program at Redwood Theatre

By Bill King

If you want to lay a foundation for the future, you make sure those who can’t afford the big bucks’ guidance and experience who reside in Toronto; you look for partners. This brings us to a generous grant from TELUS to the Sing! Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival summer vocal arts program at the Redwood Theatre in Toronto’s east end (1300 Gerrard Street East).

Come and take part if you are a student from ages 14-21. Here’s the capper—it’s free!

I remember summer band programs in my home state of Indiana. The folks were confident it would keep the boys occupied, far from trouble and well-rounded. They were right. Early morning—band—mid-day baseball, evenings - basketball. We rarely caught a break.

Toronto public schools ended the second term Friday past, and it’s daydreaming, swimming, summer camp, the corner hang. Interested in enriching that summer experience? Think of this. No hockey or football gear. Opt for something comfortable. No heavy fees—just the desire to sing!

I Love to SING! is all about youth. The desire to gather and share the experience of the community again. Singing, singing, socializing and friendship. This program is at The Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St E) in Toronto. We have another branch of the program that will be at David Suzuki Secondary School (45 Davis Elm Dr.) in Brampton. For info on that, check out the “I Love to SING! Summer Program - West” on our profile.

The educators are among the most celebrated vocal coaches in Canada. Elaine Overholt is known for her work on Oscar award-winning films Chicago and CODA—and for preparing Canadian superstar Shawn Mendes for the world stage. Jeannie Wyse is a vocal coach at the award-winning triple-threat theatre school at the Randolph Academy. Urban gospel recording artist Latoya Hall-Downer is the Co-owner of Antoine Productions, producer, arranger, and trainer. Her album Your Way won Album of the Year at the Sterling Gospel Awards.

Cameron Tania collaborates with Canada’s Got Talent Music Advisor Micah Barnes during the Singers Playground Master Classes, as well as teaching and guiding for the Seneca College Independent Singer-Songwriter Program. An award-winning songwriter and recording artist their selves, in 2022, Cameron won “Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 Oshawa Music Awards with three category nominations: “Durham Song of the Year,” “Emerging Artist of the Year,” and “Songwriter of the Year.”

Our recommendation is for ages 14 to 21. For accommodations outside these age ranges, please contact us at info@singtoronto.com.

Register here.

TELUS is a sponsor of the program.

Featuring guest teachers:

Haley Preziosi—Let’s Sing! - July 8 & 15

Jeannie Wyse–That Group Sing—July 22 & 29

Cameron Tania—The Performance - August 5 & 12

Latoya Hall-Downer—The Choir—August 19 & 26