For the Reporter

Brian Hoskins will direct the new Rainier Youth Choirs young men’s ensemble and co-direct the organization’s consonare choir.

Hoskins, who teaches choir at Lindbergh High School and Nelsen Middle School in Renton, is a two-time recipient of the Ahead of the Class: Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

His middle school concert chorus has premiered several works from local and national composers, performed at Seattle’s Paramount Theater and sang for the regional conference of Northwest American Choral Director’s Association (WA-ACDA).

Hoskins earned his degree in music education from Washington State University and a master’s degree in music education from the Steinhardt School at New York University. In New York, studying with Francisco Nunez and David Elliott, Hoskins was a conductor in residence, satellite school conductor and intermediate chorus conductor for the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.

He serves on the WA-ACDA board as the repertoire and standards chair for Multicultural Music and is a past president of the Soundview Music Region.

Hoskins is an accomplished musician. He’s accompanied Music Educators National Conference and ACDA honor choirs and soloists and ensembles throughout the state and New York City areas.

In July 2004, he performed with and accompanied the young men’s chorus and concert chorus of YPC for the gold medal performances at the World Choral Olympics in Germany. He also performs on with his own band, Mixed Bag, and with Seattle folk artist Wes Weddell’s Super Band year round being featured on three albums.

“RYC is fortunate indeed to have secured the eager service of this talented, experienced and well-loved teacher,” said Leora Schwitters, RYC artistic director and founder.

RYC is adding a young women’s ensemble and young men’s ensemble for singers in its consonare choir, which includes singers in grades nine through 14.

To learn more, visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Also …

There are only a couple spots left for the RYC Summer Choir Camp Aug. 18-21.

The camp – for singers going into grades 4-8 – is at First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Kent, with sessions running from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday (lunch included).

A free concert for family and the community is 7 p.m. that Thursday in the sanctuary. Camp fee is $50 for all materials and instruction.

Activities include singing, music reading, movement, rhythms, drama, island percussion, crafts and fun dress days.