Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Williams.
Hi Kyla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path from Executive Director of the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus started with my love of music, especially choir from a very young age. I was lucky enough to have choir offered in my elementary school in Brooklyn, NY back in the 80s. I always loved singing and dancing and started dance class at the age of three, but having access to the school choir gave me an outlet for my passion for singing. From there, I was hooked and was always in the school choir, show choir, musicals, private lessons, and community theater. You name it! Thankfully, my mom was always an advocate for supporting my passions. My love of music and passion for education led me to Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. There I earned my BA in Music and focused on education classes, voice classes, and psychology classes. I always knew I wanted to teach, but I knew it wouldn’t be in the traditional way. Both in school and afterward, I spent time performing and continued studying voice.
When I moved to LA, I worked in event planning and quickly moved up the ranks and started managing the staff and helping execute large events in Hollywood and surrounding areas. I learned a lot about managing a team and working together to get the job done. It was a very exciting time. During that time, I started teaching preschool music classes and started my own music business. I also started my voice studio. All these experiences helped me gain the skills needed for this position I currently have with the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus. My passion for music, education, team building, and management makes this a perfect fit for me. I love building community anywhere I go, and watching the choir in the short time I’ve been with the non-profit has been very fulfilling.
Most importantly I’m a wife and mother of two, 13 years and almost two years old.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Few roads to success are smooth. There are twists and turns and sometimes dead ends. Sometimes, you even run out of gas!! I’ve had some personal struggles that I’ve had to overcome to get to where I am. Shortly after I graduated college, my mother was diagnosed with early onset dementia and lived with it for five years until complications from both that and cancer took her. It was a shock and really took a toll on me emotionally. I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to make her proud. I wanted to continue to work towards the goals that she had helped nurture. So I got back to focusing on my voice and growing my business.
We’ve been impressed with San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the Executive Director of the San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus. Founded in 1992 as a program of the Angeles Chorale at CSUN, the SFVYC was established as an independent non-profit youth chorus through the efforts of parents who believed in the value of music education and choral singing and who wanted to be sure these were available to their children and others. The Chorus has grown to serve 300+ youth/year in programs including three levels of music education/singing (Tiny Tunes for ages 2-4.5; Kinder Choir for ages 5-7; Concert Choir for ages 8-18); REALarts (workshops sharing the arts as tools for self-expression, dealing with feelings); Summer Jam camp; Vocal Coaching; Outreach choir.
The San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus provides musical and arts education for children and youth of diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds in the San Fernando Valley, providing inclusive opportunities for artistic and personal growth through superior choral instruction, arts education, community outreach, and performance. The Chorus enriches the cultural fabric of our community through the transformative power of music and the arts.
At San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of music and be part of a vibrant chorus. We are proud to emphasize that we never turn families away for financial reasons. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their economic circumstances. I am most proud of this!
Our 2023/2024 Season kicks off on September 9th with an Open House for those who’d like to see what we’re all about.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a ham! Always singing and dancing around the house. I had a very creative imagination. As an only child, I was often found in my room, surrounded by my Barbies or singing/performing in the mirror. I was always the “mother” to my friends. Always the one to lend an ear and want to nurture my friends.
Pricing:
- Tiny Tunes 2-4yr $200 for the season
- Kinder Choir 4-7 $200 for the season
- Concert Choir 8-18 $350 for the season
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sfvyc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfvyc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyYouthChorus/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ValleyYouthChorus
