NCYC Success Stories: Where Are They Now?

At Newport Sings, the music doesn’t end when you leave the stage—it follows you through life, inspiring confidence, creativity, and community connection. Our programs, including the Newport County Youth Chorus (NCYC) and Quorus, are designed to grow with our singers. Whether you're just starting your musical journey or finding your way back to song after a few years away, there's always a place for your voice in our community.

In this edition of NCYC Success Stories: Where Are They Now?, we’re thrilled to highlight Marina (also known as Mars), a former NCYC member whose love for music brought them back to us—this time, as a proud member of Quorus, our inclusive chorus for adults and teens of all voice types, identities, and experience levels.

Let’s hear directly from Marina:

Hello! My name is Marina/Mars, I am fourteen years old (close to 15) and I am a new member of Quorus! I go by any pronouns—it's still something I’m figuring out.

I used to be part of the Newport County Youth Chorus, until 2020. I greatly enjoyed being part of it. I met new people and it helped me learn more about music, as well as different cultures, languages, and times through the songs we sang. It taught me about community and how music can inspire and impact others. It made me enjoy singing and feel more confident about it. It doesn’t matter who you are—all voices are important and appreciated. It made me realize the beautiful things we can do when we come together.

Unfortunately, I didn’t continue in NCYC due to COVID, and I also moved to the Netherlands for a few years. I didn’t sing much there, besides for myself, as they spoke a different language and my school didn’t have a choir (or at least not one I could join). I think that halted my musical journey a bit, as I forgot about singing. I did continue playing the violin while I was there, though.

Once I got back here, I realized I had many more opportunities for singing—at school and in the community—and I remembered Newport Sings. I joined Quorus specifically because, being queer, young, and going to a Catholic school, I thought it would be a good idea to join something where I can be myself.

That’s the main thing I love about Quorus—the community, inclusivity, and friendliness from everyone. It’s made for everyone, for all voices, ages, experiences, and musical knowledge, with beautiful, important songs about empowerment, justice, and love. It’s probably the best part of my week, and it’s something I look forward to. Plus, Elizabeth and Jan are great at teaching and guiding us.

I have to be honest—I can’t remember much about NCYC, as I was tiny and clueless (I might still be 😄) but I enjoyed it quite a lot. The small classes helped us focus and learn more. It inspired me to continue with Newport Sings.

In Quorus, there are more people and a bigger variety of singing voices, and we get more say in the songs we sing, as well as more time to do so. Both groups are lovely, though NCYC is aimed at younger kids.

Some advice for young members of NCYC who want to continue singing is to find places and activities where you get the chance to sing, and keep practicing. That could mean going to singalongs, concerts, or musicals, meeting people, and joining in! I got involved with a musical at school, and that made me want to get back into singing. That’s why I joined Quorus.

Newport Sings offers other groups too, like Aquidneck Singers and Community Sings. You can even help out with groups like NCYC—mentoring younger students is a great way to stay involved!

Looking ahead, I don’t see music as something I’d do for a living (I’m not too good), but it’s something very dear to me. It helps me through rough patches and helps me connect—with myself, my emotions, and the world. Being able to sing or play music and share that with others is something really special.

I hope I can always keep singing and being creative in inclusive, friendly communities like Newport Sings—or even create one someday! In a world full of trouble, we can help each other and share kindness and hope through music.

Keep the Success and Music Going 🎶

Marina’s story is a shining example of how the seeds planted in our youth programs blossom into a lifelong love of music and connection. We’re so proud to see our former NCYC members thrive and return to our community with new experiences, voices, and dreams.

If your child is part of the Newport County Youth Chorus, or if you're a teen or adult looking for a welcoming place to raise your voice, Newport Sings has a group for you. From first-time singers to seasoned vocalists, we believe every voice matters.

👉 Ready to join a musical community that celebrates YOU?

 Learn more about our choirs and upcoming events at NewportSings.org.

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