Obie Leff to Direct
Yuba Sutter Arts (YSA) is very pleased to announce the formation of the new Yuba Sutter Youth Choir, its latest Arts in Education program. Classes will begin this summer starting June 15th and will be held at the Burrows Theater at 7th and E Street in Marysville. The program will be under the direction of local music educator Obie Leff. Mr. Leff will be assisted by Alex Cesena, who has just returned from a three year, international engagement with The Young Americans
Instruction for two age groups will be offered: 7-10 year olds and 11-14 year olds. Classes will be held on subsequent Thursdays for a total of six weekly sessions through July 20th. A final performance for both groups will be scheduled. The cost for the summer session is $50 per student. The concert themes for the two performances will be “Growing Together” for the 7-10 age group and “Beyond Broadway” for the 11-14 year olds. Contact YSA at 530-742-ARTS or email Abbie Cesena to register.
Obie Leff has taught music in the Yuba-Sutter community for more than 20 years. Currently, Leff directs the music program at Twin Rivers Charter School in Yuba City, which includes classroom music for all students in grades TK-4 and Choir programs for students in grades 4-8.
“Music brings people together,” says Mr. Leff. “Our new Yuba Sutter Youth Choir provides an opportunity for young people in our community to not only sing and perform, but also to learn and grow together as a team. I look forward to being a part of it.”
Obie Leff has published twelve original albums of songs connecting music to the school curriculum. He has collaborated with First 5 Yuba County promoting early childhood literacy through music education. In 2012, the music program he directed in the Franklin Elementary School District was recognized as a signature practice in the school’s California Distinguished School Award. Mr. Leff was named “Music Teacher of the Year” by the California Music Educators Association for the North Section District.
“I first met Obie at the recent Yuba Sutter Symphony pops concert,” said David Read, Executive Director of YSA. “I was blown away by the excellence of Obie’s 4th and 5th grade singers from Twin Rivers and their obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm in singing for a very receptive and adorning audience. We have talked for several years about creating a youth choir so that local students can begin or continue their vocal music studies outside of the classroom so our meeting with Obie was very timely,” Mr. Read added.