Yakima Symphony Chorus Young Artist Program
About the Young Artist Program:
The Young Artist Program was established in the 2023-24 season by Chorusmaster Steven Slusher to offer career-oriented singers with experiences to strengthen their development as soloists and professional choral singers.
The Young Artists gain experience covering solos in major works and attending dress rehearsals with visiting guest artist, giving them the opportunity to observe and interactg with professional soloists. Young Artists also present an annual recital and perform at other Yakima Symphony Chorus events including education concerts and fundraisers. Selected Young Artists will receive compensation for specific leadership responsibilities through the course of the YSC performance season.
The Young Artists are responsible for providing musical leadership in the Yakima Symphony Chorus through thorough preparation of their parts, running sectionals as section leaders, and occasionally providing chorus warm-ups. Young Artists rehearse as members of the Yakima Symphony Chorus from mid-September through early June on Monday evenings, 7 PM to 9:30 PM. Singers must be available to attend all rehearsals to be eligible for an audition.
Eligible Young Artists:
who are not US citizens will need to present proof of employment authorization in the United States
Stay tuned for audition details for the 2025-2026 season!
Born and raised in Yakima, John started singing from an early age. He attended YVC and participated in all music classes. In 2009 John joined the fledgling Yakima Valley Light Opera, and was named principle conductor in 2010 in conjunction with performing as a bass-baritone soloist. He was featured as Frank in the company's production of Die Fledermaus and proceeding to conduct the following year's production of The Mikado. In 2012 John was accepted to the Vocal Performance program at University of Denver, where he was able to study voice under such greats as Larry Elder, Ken Cox, and Cathy Kasch. While at Denver, John was able to perform with multiple ensembles, singing Eisenstein in another production of Die Fledermaus, Farmer Carnes in Oklahoma!, and was serving as Assistant Conductor for the Cherry Creek Community Orchestra. Outside of music, John is a husband, as well as a father to two wonderful girls, and serves as Cantor for his local synagogue.
James Kirkham is a classically trained Tenor studying Chemistry and Vocal Performance at Central Washington University. James has been singing classically for 6 years. He has sung in multiple choirs at CWU, including the auditioned Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz 1; and is currently singing with Canticus Vocal Ensemble alongside the Yakima Symphony Chorus. He has also participated in CWU’s Opera program, performing in both 2023’s Viva Italia! opera workshop and 2024’s production of Die Fledermaus, in the role of Alfred. James is currently finishing his studies at CWU’s Chemistry Department, after which he plans to pursue a certification as a Patent Agent and audition for graduate programs in Music Performance.
McKayla Sherman is a classically trained Dramatic Soprano with a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from Central Washington University. McKayla has been singing classically for 10+ years and has competed in, placed, and won many competitions. McKayla is a passionate artist with a love for art song, musical theatre, jazz, and opera. She looks forward to continuing her studies at the Graduate level, and eventually taking to the stage in a professional opera role. She is also looking forward to a wonderful year of singing with the Yakima Symphony Chorus as the Soprano Young Artist!
Brittany Stahley (soprano) is a musician and voice teacher from the Yakima Valley. At a young age, Brittany made her first professional opera debut as the frivolous Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. Since then, she has been fortunate to perform in many operas, concerts, and musicals with companies such as Yakima Light Opera Company, Yakima Symphony Orchestra, The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers, Warehouse Theatre Company, and Akin Center Theatre. She has been seen as a concert soloist around the Pacific Northwest including works such as Westside Story Retold by Bernstein and Handel’s Messiah. Some of her favorite operatic roles include Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Juno in Orpheus in the Underworld, and Angelina in Trial by Jury. With equal passion for opera and musical theatre, she has also appeared onstage in roles such as Rose in The Secret Garden, The Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella, and Madame de la Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast. Determined to make music more accessible to the Yakima Valley, Brittany has served as Vocal Director in productions at The Warehouse Theatre Company and A.C. Davis High School and is a returning member of the Canticus Vocal Ensemble currently in her sixth season.
Brittany graduated from Central Washington University with a M.M. in Voice Pedagogy and Performance and B.M. in Vocal Performance. She currently teaches at Yakima Valley College as an adjunct voice professor.
