YOUNG SINGERS OF THE PALM BEACHES ANNOUNCES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Organization broadens depth of experience on board as they celebrate 10th anniversary year
(WEST PALM BEACH) Young Singers of the Palm Beaches announced two new board members according to board chairman, Hank Gonzalez. North Palm Beach resident, Kenneth P. Dwyer and Wellington resident, Jody Young will serve on the nonprofit board of directors.
Young Singers of the Palm Beaches (YSPB) is Palm Beach County’s premiere youth choir, featuring more than 350 of the area’s most talented voices spanning ages 8 – 18. The award-winning, world-class troupe of youth singers has performed at concerts all over Palm Beach County, as well as at Lincoln Center in New York City, with Native Americans in New Mexico, and at international music festivals in Salzburg and Vienna. The group’s two annual concerts are held in December and May on the main stage of the Kravis Center with tickets starting at $10. A multi-racial, multi-cultural arts education organization based centrally in Palm Beach County, its enrollment is comprised of singers in grades 3-12 from all parts of the county’s diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socio-economic communities.
According to Gonzalez, both gentlemen will bring important qualities to round out the YSPB board. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary year, we are thrilled to have Ken and Jody join our board team. Their commitment to YSPB’s goals benefits local children. Ken’s experience in finance comes at an important time in our organization’s growth. Jody’s experience and networking will provide Young Singers with new marketing ideas and guidance as we continue to explore the best way to serve both our children and our community. We are truly grateful for their participation on this board.”
Dwyer is a financial analyst with Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and the father of two YSPB singers. In addition to volunteering for YSPB for the past three years, he has also served on the St. Paul of the Cross Parish Financial Council and is a past chairman of the Council. In addition, he has spent 22 years as a volunteer and past area director for Special Olympics, a past president of the North Palm Beach / Palm Beach Gardens Jaycees, and a mentor for the Academy of Finance Program at William T. Dwyer High School.
According to Dwyer, “As a parent, I’ve been able to observe in my children the development of their musical talents, confidence in their abilities, and pride in their accomplishments, as a result of their participation in YSPB. As a volunteer, I’ve witnessed an extremely well run organization and a dedicated and highly talented artistic staff. I enjoy and have fun volunteering for YSPB and feel honored to serve on the board.”
Young is a freelance marketing professional and project manager specializing in political election campaign management, consulting and fundraising. He has over 35 years of experience in live entertainment event promotion and management of national touring artists. He and his wife Connie have been active volunteer parents with YSPB over the past seven years. He has served as a board member on several nonprofit boards focused on the arts and youth activities.
“I am delighted to serve on YSPB’s Board of Directors,” said Young. “I have great respect for the accomplishments of the organization and I look forward to assisting in its continued growth. Our daughter Cara has improved her vocal skills tremendously by working with this group while learning what a strong commitment to a choral group can do in creating some incredible concert performances. I want to help other children gain that opportunity by helping this organization thrive in its mission.”In addition to Dwyer and Young, the YSPB board of directors led by Gonzalez also includes: Tim McAlice, secretary; Richard Childers, treasurer; Brian R. Hanley; Pat Morgan; Paul Velez; and Bert Winkler. Beth Clark is the organization’s executive director.
The group’s next concert, “Ubuntu,” will be held May 19th on the main stage of the Kravis Center with tickets starting at $10. At a time in our country when even our neighbors might be strangers, “Ubuntu” is a South African concept illustrating the connectivity of humanity. The performance will be highlighted by an original song of the same name and world premiered at the concert. This year, the annual spring concert celebrates Young Singers of the Palm Beaches’ 10th Anniversary. Also, auditions for 2013/2014 season are scheduled for June 1, 2013. For performance and audition information, please call Young Singers of the Palm Beaches at 561-659-2332 or visit www.yspb.org.