Berks Youth Chorus names new director of Choristers

Jul. 24—Berks Youth Chorus has named Sarah Kreider new director of the Choristers, BYC's youngest ensemble for singers in third and fourth grades.

A music teacher of Schuylkill Valley Elementary School, Kreider holds a master's degree in music education with an autism concentration from Boston Conservatory at Berklee and serves as assistant music director for the musicals at Schuylkill Valley High School.

Kreider is an alumna of Berks Youth Chorus. She sang in the chorus for 10 years and interned at many BYC summer camps.

"BYC was a huge part of my life growing up," Kreider said. "Being a member of BYC is why I ended up on the path to be a music teacher. BYC is where my love of choral music began, and that love has also led me to form lifelong friendships. To me, BYC represents musicality mixed with community and fun."

"Sarah's return has already brought a new level of excitement within the chorus," said Sam Barge, who directs the BYC Chorale and MasterSingers. "Every organization dreams that its students will return to give back to the next generation. It is such a gift that Sarah will connect our youngest singers to our past and demonstrate the role that our community can play in their lives."

The Choristers have been fully virtual since the pandemic began but are returning to normal for the 2022-23 season, starting with this week's BYC Summer Sing, which will be in-person.

BYC welcomes students in grades 3 to 12 of all musical backgrounds, and is committed to providing financial assistance to those who need it. For more information, visit berksyouthchorus.org, email info@berksyouthchorus.org or call 610-898-7664.

Comedy

Reading Civic Theatre will present Raymond the Amish Comic on Aug. 20 at 8 p.m at their new venue at the former Fox East theater, Exeter Township. Tickets cost $25 plus a $2.50 processing fee and can be purchased at readingcivic.org. The performance is part of Raymond's "Bring Theaters Back Tour" and contains material suitable for ages 18 and older.

Anniversary dinner

Building a Better Boyertown, a non-profit organization that seeks to preserve Boyertown's artistic, historical and agricultural heritage, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with a Roaring '20s-themed dinner on Sept. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brakeman's Café, Boyertown.

Highlights include a honey-sesame sticky chicken thigh and a peachy BBQ pork slider with smoked onions. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine or beer, and there will be a cash bar available featuring Roaring '20s cocktails. Complimentary sweet tea and green tea will also be provided. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s fashions.

To purchase tickets, visit www.boyertownpa.org or call 610-369-3054.

Human Library

Studio B Fine Art Gallery, 39A E. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, has announced the "Life Story" categories planned for the Human Library event scheduled for next Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Participants will share their life journeys involving Addiction and Recovery, Depression, Cults, Intuitive Healing, Adoption, Challenges as a Person of Color, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism during the event, which is modeled after an initiative in Denmark that now exists in 50 countries.

Participants will be paired with a member of the community for a measured amount of time to share their life stories and then, like in speed dating, move on to share with another person for a designated time. Community members are invited to this free event and will be able to listen to each participant during the event.

A second Human Library event is planned for the fall featuring individuals who will be represented to celebrate diversity on the updated "No Place for Hate" mural in Boyertown that was vandalized in October 2021.

Dance

"Dance on the Steps," a free, original dance production displaying cultures through dance, will be staged on the steps at the Reading Public Library's Main Branch, 100 S. Fifth St., on Saturday at noon.

Returning to Reading will be Jorge Gonzales, performing a dance style described by The New York Times as "rooted in tradition but with hip hop influences, bounce, and especially attitude." In addition, 10 other dancers or groups of dancers will perform.

Art

Abilities in Motion is presenting its third annual "ADA Celebration Art Show" from Monday through Friday in the fourth-floor gallery of the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading. An opening reception will be held Monday from 4 to 6 p.m.

The exhibition celebrates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by showcasing the works of artists with disabilities.

Artists' stories and biographies will accompany their art, bringing the exhibit to life and encouraging attendees to connect with the artists' work on a personal level around the theme of "I Can."

The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted on July 26, 1990, established civil rights for people with disabilities and allowed for a more inclusive, accessible society.

"Our hope is that this exhibition not only provides an opportunity for the community to gain a better understanding of disability but also the importance of the ADA to people with disabilities," said Stephanie Quigley, Abilities in Motion's executive director.

The artists will exhibit in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture.

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