3rd Annual Music Clubhouse Idol
3rd Annual YMCA Music Clubhouse Idol Competition rocks the house!
The Lawrence Branch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA showcased the talent of 10 singers at the Lawrence Music Clubhouse Idol competition on Friday, April 3. The gymnasium was packed with local teens, YMCA staff and volunteers, and music lovers from the community.
The competition began on Friday, March 20, when 30 hopeful participants came to the Clubhouse to audition. They endured waiting to hear back from the professional judging team made up of Music Clubhouse staff.
Overall, the judges felt that 16 students were ready to move on to this year's ‘Hollywood Round' which was held on March 27 at the Lawrence Music Clubhouse. From there, the top 10 singers moved on to the "Clubhouse Idol" competition. Showcasing their talent in the 2009 competiton were: Angeramis Tejada; Valdailme Nelson; Leyshka Then; Jackie Rosario; Lionson Tejada; Annelys Gonzalez; Desiree Bencosme; Adrian Delasio; Keyla Rodriguez; and Kelsy Duran. Eight area schools were represented, with most students attending Lawrence high School.
The night was filled with standing ovations for the talented teens. The audience chose the winner by paper ballot. The 2009 Music Clubhouse Idol winner was 16-year-old Kelsy Duran who sang Lauryn Hill's "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." Kelsey attends Lawrence High School's Performing Arts Academy. She won an Ipod Touch, donated by Yoplait/Colombo of Methuen.
The Clubhouse Idol competition was sponsored by the Music and Youth Initiative, Yoplait/Colombo of Methuen, Lawrence Community Access TV, Berklee College of Music, Charles G. Pringle Foundation, Essex County Community Foundation, Foundation M, Rotary Club of Greater Lawrence, Louis S. Cox Trust, The White Fund, and Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Robbins De Beaumont Foundation, City of Lawrence Community Development Block Grant, Lawrence Cultural Council, Sovereign Bank, and Rogers Family Foundation.
The Lawrence YMCA's Music Clubhouse is an exciting, safe and professional after-school program where young people can immerse themselves in a creative and caring musical environment for free. The Clubhouse gives youth the opportunity to explore an array of musical instruments, participate in innovative workshops and establish meaningful connections with one another and with compassionate adults. Most significantly, the Clubhouse is a musical haven where the youth of Lawrence build their confidence and increase their self-esteem.
Throughout the year, the staff of the Music Clubhouse offers free music lessons: drums, guitar, bass, piano, and voice. There are monthly open mic nights where young performers have a forum to share their talent. The Clubhouse also features a fully functional recording studio where local artists can fine tune and preserve their music. For more information, contact Music Clubhouse Director David Bickel at 978-686-6191.
