Highland Youth Ensemble under the direction of Beth Perkinson McCoy.

The Highlands Youth Ensemble was formed in 2002 by 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 20 and 24 eighth- through 12th-grade students 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.

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 fall and spring cabarets 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 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.

Upcoming Auditions Information

Auditions for the Highlands Youth Ensemble will be held by appointment the evening of Monday, August 20, at a location to be announced. The HYE, a choir made up of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, is open to rising eighth- through 12th-graders. HYE rehearsals are held from 7:30 to 9 p.m., on Mondays throughout the school year, beginning Aug. 27. A semester fee of $110 will be due by Sept. 24. For details about the audition or to schedule an appointment, e-mail Beth P. McCoy at director@meccacademy.org or call (276) 628-9967.

For more information, call (423) 360-3201.