Welcome the new year with soulful young singers in Encinitas

Have you heard of the North Coast Singers Youth Chorus?

This month is a great time to experience their heart-lifting sounds in SHINE: A Children’s Choir Concert on Jan. 23 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas.

Although their name may be new to you, the organization has been around since 1993, when Sally Husch Dean, an Encinitas resident who was already leading a choral group at her children’s school, was asked if she would start a community youth chorus to fill the gap left by cutbacks in funding for music programs in local public schools.

After over 20 years, and the growth of one grade-school choir into a successful non-profit organization that welcomed singers from grades 2 to 12 plus an adult choir as well, she retired in 2018, but the choirs went on singing.

Leadership of the Youth Chorus is currently shared by two gifted women: Interim Artistic Director Michelle Risling and Director Justine Hansen.

Risling joined the original choir at age 7, in the autumn of that first year. In 2008, while still in college, she began directing North Coast’s high-school-age singers (Capella) and then added the adult women’s choir (Sorelle) to her list. She is currently completing a master of music in conducting at San Diego State University.

“It’s all about the deep study of music and how to communicate it to the musicians in front of you, no matter what age they are,” she explained. She says her whole life has been shaped by her childhood in North Coast Singers, and she’s enthusiastic about educating and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Hansen has been directing choral ensembles and children’s choirs around San Diego for years and is passionate about creating community through music. She recently earned a doctorate in music education and this year she’s directing Giocoso (grades K-3) and Brioso (grades 4-7) choirs, and her children are part of the Youth Chorus too.

But what about SHINE, the special New Year’s event?

It’s all about letting your inner self shine, and audience members will get to share the experience. Having been to an autumn concert by Capella and Sorella, which had my husband and me feeling as if we were walking on air, I can hardly wait for a chance to SHINE.

North Coast Singers’ new season begins Jan. 25; if you’re a parent, bring your kids to this concert. Risling and Hansen will be conducting the choirs, who will be accompanied by talented local pianists Ronél Wishnuff and Anna Juliar.

“We encourage parents to visit our website to see if our choir program could be their child’s musical home,” says Risling. “We’d love to have new friends start in the spring!”

SHINE: A Children’s Choir Concert

Date: Friday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.

Venue: San Dieguito United Methodist Church

Address: 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, CA

Tickets: Adults: $20. Students: $10.

Website: www.northcoastsingers.com