Get to know NCYC founder, Elizabeth Woodhouse.
Fourteen-year choir veteran, Elizabeth Woodhouse, has played a huge role in Newport County Youth Chorus’ impact on the local community. As the founder of NCYC, she was the one who initiated the partnership with Salve Regina University that has made the group possible. Her life experience makes it clear why she has always wanted to be a youth chorus conductor. Through perseverance, intelligence and a vibrant expression of her passion, she now realizes this dream each day as a conductor and instructor for the NCYC.
And this choir certainly isn't her first rodeo.
What is NCYC?
In the year since its September 2017 inception, the Newport County Youth Chorus has made waves with both the youth and adults of the Newport area. The chorus has given youth an opportunity to try out different musical styles, as well as providing them a chance to express themselves in a judgement-free zone. Family members of all ages have stepped up to be a part of community events... and from churches to schools to nursing homes, the community itself has responded in kind.
Choir experience from all over
From her most recent role with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, to working in Denver, CO, Columbus, OH, and New Haven, CT, Elizabeth has over fourteen years experience conducting youth ensembles of varying abilities and ages (from five through 18) across the country. She has prepared ensembles for performances at Carnegie Hall and Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) as well as for a national PBS Kids Commercial.
On top of her commitment to NCYC, Elizabeth continues work with numerous different choruses. She currently sings with Collegium Ancora in Providence, and has sung with the Salve Regina University choir, Bella Voce in Brooklyn, and many ensembles at The Ohio State University and University of Colorado-Boulder. In 2017, she traveled to South Africa with Village Harmony to sing with a 30-member choir made up of people from all over the United States, the UK and South Africa.
More about Elizabeth
Elizabeth is drawn to blues and greens—the colors of the ocean! She loves to travel and is always scheming about where she will go next. In her spare time she can be found enjoying the outdoors on a hike, going to the movies or spending time with her family and friends.
Though her criteria for choosing music for the choruses includes needing to love the songs herself, one of her favorite songs from the NCYC program is Thula Klizeo.
As with most performers, Elizabeth holds a special place for singing.
“I love how singing makes me feel,” she said. “No matter what kind of day I am having, singing allows me to connect with myself (our body is our instrument) and with others. It always feels great [to sing].”
In addition to teaching others, Elizabeth has found NCYC to be a powerful learning experience of her own.
“Starting NCYC from scratch means that everyday teaches me something new,” she said. “Even when things feel challenging, the love and passion I have for NCYC and its growth and success makes it all worth it. NCYC is one of the things I am most proud of.”
It’s safe to say that the NCYC is in good hands for the future.
About NCYC
Since its inception in September 2017, Newport County Youth Chorus has become an important extracurricular of students across Newport County. Participants range in age from second to sixth grade. You don’t need any experience to join—just a passion for singing. Students will learn to sing music in different languages and styles and even learn how to read music and understand musical terms and notation. Come join us this year in this fun and engaging experience!
Our team of veterans, including Elizabeth, will make sure your child has a memorable choir experience, with lifelong memories to boot.
To learn more about us, visit our website.