We recently caught up with Michael Preacely, founder and artistic director of Uniting Voices Lexington, a new youth empowerment and music education program hosted at Transylvania University.
What is the mission of Uniting Voices Lexington and why do you think it is important to the Bluegrass region to build this organization?
The mission of Uniting Voices Lexington is to inspire and change lives through music. Lexington is a thriving community with people from many parts of our country and the world. Uniting Voices, with our vision of a harmonious world, is exactly the type of organization needed to foster our growth and create a more united community.
What differentiates this program from other offerings in the area?
Uniting Voices Lexington is a group of singers in the 6th-12th grades from across the Bluegrass region. This is a mixed voice ensemble, and we welcome youth whose voices have changed to a lower register. That is a unique offering in terms of youth choir organizations here in Lexington. We are an organization that is intentional about being diverse in our thought, repertoire, singers, and the communities in which our singers represent. We aim to have participating singers from every single zip code in Fayette County and surrounding areas.
Tell us about the partnership with Transylvania University and why it is such a great fit?
We will be housed at Transylvania for rehearsal and a few performances throughout the year. Transy is the oldest college in the state of Kentucky and a beacon for our community. Centrally located, Transy will not only create accessibility for singers all over Lexington, it will also provide an immediate academic presence for future leaders and changemakers in the region.
How do youth get involved and what is on the horizon in this first year?
Youth can get involved by registering here or coming to the first rehearsal which will be held on Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at 361 N. Broadway (in the William T. Young Campus Center). They can also visit our website to learn more about how to be a part of this movement!
This year, we are excited to build a strong community and to expand our horizons through music. We have upcoming performances through the Blue Grass Community Foundation and Innovative Arts, and of course, concerts planned here at Transylvania University.
About the author: Uniting Voices Lexington is a nonprofit organization that empowers and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music. Helmed by Michael Preacely, a renowned opera singer and alumnus of the former Chicago Children’s Choir on which the program is based, Uniting Voices Lexington serves diverse youth in 6th through 12th grade, helping them to inspire and change lives through music. Learn more at unitingvoiceslexington.org.