Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director, Leora Schwitters, RYC gained its non-profit 501c3 status in 2019, Tax ID 46-3355150. RYC is a community-based organization with no religious affiliation. It offers an exceptional, affordable, and family-friendly youth program fostering teamwork, self-discipline, accomplishment, and pride. RYC is a music performance and education program for children and youth emphasizing the development of high caliber musical skills and outstanding artistic performances so as to inspire, enrich, and transform the lives of children.
Rehearsals are on Monday nights, September through June, at Cedar Heights Middle School in Covington, WA. Three ‘main-stage’ concerts are presented in December, March, and May in Kent, each with a dress rehearsal on the Thursday prior. Other community performances have included the Argosy Christmas Ship, Pacific NW Ballet and Benaroya intermissions, retirement homes, Seattle Thunderbirds, Tacoma Rainiers, backup for Barry Manilow, and even a wedding! Breaks align with the Kent School District calendar.
Members come from Auburn, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Maple Valley, Puyallup, Renton, Snoqualmie, and Sumner. No restrictions.
Travel is an expected part of the curriculum and not covered by tuition. These opportunities are often life changing and greatly enrich each singer and ensemble. Younger groups: one to two days, local tour or festival. Older groups travel farther and longer. Previous destinations have included Anaheim, San Diego, Eugene, OR, New Orleans, Hawaii, and New York City. RYC’s international tour was to Ireland in 2017.