“I am a VocalEssence Singers Of This Age alumni. I graduated high school and went on to bigger and better things. I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. I recommend this experience to anyone—anyone who wants to be themselves and create bonds and meet new people and perform in great places. This is definitely the place to be.”
—VESOTA Member
SING WITH US!
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The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities teenagers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and, encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Under the visionary leadership of G. Phillip Shoultz, III, the singers present music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society.
VESOTA is open to all teenage students upon successful completion of an interview process. There is no cost to participate. Upon making a year long commitment, singers receive free transportation to and from rehearsals and performances, performance uniforms, dinner and snacks, and complimentary concert tickets. The program focuses its attention on teenage students in the Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and Saint Paul Public School systems.
VESOTA engages an impressive team of guest artists. Past artists have included:
- Singer, songwriter and vocal activist Melanie DeMore
- Filipina-American rapper and hip-hop artist Dessa
- Emmy award-winning actor T. Mychael Rambo
- McKnight Artist Fellow and MN Sage Award winning dancer/choreographer Roxane Wallace
- Verve-winning spoken-word artist/arts educator Chadwick Phillips
- Karen Charles and Threads Dance Company
- NBC’s The Voice contestant, Ashley DuBose
- Mila Vocal Ensemble and Cameroon Choir
“VocalEssence is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. I’m so happy that Phillip decided to create this thing and I’m so glad that I decided to be a part of it.”
—VESOTA Member
VocalEssence Singers Of This Age Press Photos
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Funding Engine
Program funding comes from generous institutions, corporations, and individuals like you. Give here.
