Spectrum Youth Singers rehearse at Eagle Pointe

For those that love to sing, a rehearsal at Eagle Pointe Elementary School was on display for the Spectrum Youth Singers group.

This young group of vocalists in Plainfield helps children in grades four through eight to find their voice, grow and have fun while singing choral music in front of audiences and at many different kinds of events.

"We are a community children's and youth choir for boys and girls," said Director Oksana Rodak. "We offer quality music education and vocal training for these children because I believe all children can sing well and reach a high level of artistry."

This choir that is committed to enriching the lives of children through discipline, skill, mastery and teamwork through singing, offers performances at many venues.

Some are local, regional and national, with members that have sung in the National Children's Honor Choir and this past December they performed at the holiday concert of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Today was our open rehearsal where I invited other kids from the community to come and tryout for our second semester," Rodak said.

Usually, the group has something called global hearings where every child has to come sing and perform in front of Rodak to see if they can match pitch.

If not, Rodak gives the proper training in order to develop the child's singing voice.

Spectrum also sings at local events such as Plainfield's Heart of Christmas, the lighting of the Creche and Plainfield Township Day.

This past summer, the choir was invited to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York to go along with other prominent venues.

All rehearsals are at Eagle Pointe Elementary School, and they also collaborate with other musical groups to perform.

Musically, the group performs a lot of holiday songs, songs from The Renaissance, contemporary music that features different languages and styles, Beethoven to Broadway and music that spans over from the 1700's to modern day.

The group accepts children every year and encourages new members to come join.

"I really enjoy seeing all of the kids sing to their potential and be excited while doing so," Rodak said. "I'm very glad to be the director of this group."