Rainier Youth Choirs

Mission:

To encourage the personal and social growth of our singers and inspire our community through impactful performances and music education. 

Vision: 

To sing, to build community, to change lives.

Values:  

Artistry, Excellence, Dedication, Teamwork, Integrity, Kindness, Inclusiveness

Description

Rainier Youth Choirs is a non-profit, community-based organization with no religious affiliation founded in 2007. We offer an exceptional, affordable, and family-friendly youth program which fosters teamwork, self-discipline, accomplishment, and pride. RYC is a music performance and education program for children and youth emphasizing the development of high-caliber musical skills and outstanding, artistic performances so as to inspire, enrich and transform the lives of children.

Our highly qualified, award-winning, and caring staff members, all with advanced degrees and many years of choral directing experience, provide exceptional, artistic, and inspirational choral music instruction and choral performance opportunities along with professional-level instrumentalists who assist in rehearsals and in performances.

Two 'Main Stage' concerts performances are presented each season with no admission fee required. Free-will donations help cover the venue rental and other concert-related expenses. 

Members come from many different communities surrounding Covington, including Auburn, Burien, DesMoines, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Maple Valley, Renton, et al. Many of these communities' school choir programs have been reduced or eliminated resulting in a void for which Rainier Youth Choirs was created to help fill.

RYC relies on the generosity of others. We are committed to access for youth from all racial and socio-economic backgrounds. Your support will help keep singing accessible and alive in our under-served community. 

Rainier Youth Choirs' Impact

"“The amazing conductors, music, and other singers have always brought me so much joy… I have been through a lot of hardships throughout my six years in RYC and I am so blessed to have always had my RYC family to fall back on…Through RYC, I have had some of the most amazing experiences in my life and have met some of the most kind-hearted and wonderful individuals that I will never forget.” Alaina B., 2023 graduate

"RYC has been an important part of my daughter's experience, especially during COVID, in helping her grow, focus, be positive and build confidence. It is an awesome resource. We know that it takes a lot of work, thought and commitment to make that all happen. Thank you so much - we are grateful." Tha Win, parent

"RYC made me realize my passion for performing with a choir who was like family. We worked hard as a group to perfect our performances and it was always really fulfilling to see months of work result in a beautiful concert my family and friends could enjoy. Mondays after rehearsal, I always felt lighter than air, euphoric, and relaxed even after working hard to learn music and perfect my part." Ariel Gire, 2015 Alumni 

Recognition

RYC's Board of Directors

Executive Board: 

President, Jessica Huyck; Vice President, Heather Stafford; Secretary, Tamara Carnevale; Acting Treasurer, Karen Fulmer

Members at Large: 

Andy Arnold, Mark Eaton, Jennifer Jepson, Katie Jones, Rhea Quimson, Jill Saldivar, Donna Wenndt

Staff:

Founding Artistic Director: Leora Schwitters; 

Executive Director: Karen Fulmer; 

Operations Manager: Tamara Carnevale

Ensemble Directors: Leora Schwitters, Brian Hoskins, Jackie Grant, Brittney Clegg, Kelly VandeGuchte