HYE: Highlands Youth Ensemble

The Highlands Youth Ensemble, under the direction of Jane Morison was formed in 2002 by former Artistic Director Beth P. McCoy to continue the musical education of area young people who had graduated from the East Tennessee Children's Choir. The group, which annually consists of between 25 and 30 9th-12th grade students (plus changed male voices in 8th grade) from throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, primarily performs predominately a cappella repertoire in four-part (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) harmony. The HYE has tackled some of the most challenging as well as some of the most popular music from sacred compositions, folk songs and Broadway musicals. The group has performed at numerous churches in the Tri-Cities area, at the Rhythm & Roots Reunion, at Music on the Square in Jonesborough, and at the Biltmore Estate during its Christmas candlelight tours. In 2006 members of the HYE sang at Carnegie Hall in the Field Studies International, under the baton of Dr. Andre Thomas. In May of 2007 the HYE traveled to Hungary and sang in the 20th International Chamber Choir Competition in Pecs, Hungary. In May 2008 HYE was proud to host the Pecsi Choir on their American tour.  This summer (2010) HYE performed John Rutter's beloved Requiem at Carnegie Hall, with Rutter himself at the baton! The goals of the Highlands Youth Ensemble are to: 1. Give vocally talented youth an unforgettable, exemplary choral experience. 2. Implant a solid foundation in music and proper singing techniques, with emphasis on sight-reading. 3. Supply an experience in non-competitive team behavior that calls for the best in each of them. 4. Promote musical leadership by these youth for schools, churches and other organizations in our area. 5. Enhance the Mountain Empire's appreciation of fine choral literature. 6. Encourage these young people to continue lifelong participation in the art What We Do The choir performs at least four public concerts annually plus a Valentine cabaret and regularly records their repertoire. Performances have been held at the Paramount Center for the Arts and First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tenn; First Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport, Tenn.; First Methodist Church and St. John's Lutheran Church in Johnson City, Tenn.; Christ the King Catholic Church, Barter Theatre, and the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, and the Jonesborough Storytelling Center. In addition to its regular schedule of concerts, the choir has been a featured performing group with the Symphony of the Mountains and has provided entertainment for numerous civic and cultural organizations in the Mountain Empire. The HYE has received numerous invitations to sing for the Biltmore Estate's Christmas Candlelight Tours.