Photo: Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs
If a 12-year-old Edina boy’s enthusiasm for a Twin Cities choir is any indication of its success, then Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs (ACYC) is hitting all the right notes. Louie Salmen’s passion reflects the heart of the organization that’s been transforming the lives of youth for 45 years, one performance at a time. “I remember singing at the Ordway once, and I looked around and thought how cool it was to perform there,” Louie says. “It was so amazing.”
As a sixth-grade student at South View Middle School in Edina, Louie has had four years of fond memories since joining ACYC the summer before third grade. As an organization that attracts students from 36 different schools around the Twin Cities (and as far away as Owatonna), it’s the friendships that truly stand out for the young man. “I have met so many great people at choir. I love the songs we sing too, but I have a lot of great friends here,” he says.
The connections certainly are special. ACYC executive director Audrey Riddle says she loves watching the friendships form—and last—as students grow up with the organization. “These kids all share something in common,” Riddle says. “They all have a special bond of their love of music. Singing is a skill you get for your whole life. It’s where you find community.”
Since its inception in 1980, ACYC has created a space for kids who have chosen music as their “sport,” and the choir becomes a close team. Riddle says whether its newcomers or alumni, the faces and voices of ACYC are like a family. And once those notes are learned, real magic happens, she says.
Louie agrees. “It’s been a magical journey,” he says, noting his involvement in the choir has taught him discipline, patience and how to work together as a team. “Everyone has to do the same amount of work every week at practice and when we practice at home too.”
His mom, Anne Salmen, says she’s been impressed with the confidence ACYC has helped instill in her son. “They teach them such amazing skills on how to carry themselves and teach them things they carry over to other parts of their lives,” she says. “These choirs provide self-motivated kids an opportunity to grow their skill and have fun.”
As ACYC embarks on its 45th year, the magic of the organization will be on full display December 7 during its winter concert at the Ordway Concert Hall (345 Washington St., St. Paul). The schedule includes two shows, the first at 4:30 p.m., featuring the organization’s younger singers (Con Brio, Cantabile and Concert Choir). The second event is at 7:30 p.m. and includes ACYC’s senior-level singers (Cantanti Singers, Concert Choir and Treble Singers). Both shows are pay what you can, a reflection of the choir’s commitment to accessibility and community.
Looking ahead, Riddle hopes to continue what ACYC does best: putting kids first. “We are going to keep what we’re doing really well while focusing on the kids first,” she says. “We’ll be singing every week and getting ready for our concerts.”
For Louie, he’s looking forward to continuing to do what he enjoys during this milestone year. “It’s important to love what you’re doing,” he says. “And I just love doing what I’m doing.”
Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs
Instagram: @angelicachoirs
