Oneida Family YMCA homeschool program performs Christmas concert

Led bymusic teachers, Alicia Ames andMavaret Umstead, the students worked throughout the year to present their first-ever Christmas concert.

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> Earlier this year, the Oneida Family YMCA debuted a new music component to the traditional Gym & Swim Program for homeschool students.

With 60 participants in the program, they celebrated the holidays by presenting their first-ever Christmas concert.

Led by music teachers, Alicia Ames and Ma var et Um ste ad, the students worked throughout the year to present their first-ever Christmas concert.

The families and members recently gathered at the Oneida Y to hear music the students have been working on for months.

In addition, they performed with African drums, rhythm with cups and featured a flute duet with 12-year-old Eva Stone and Ames.

For the finale, organizers said the students were joined by critically acclaimed and Grammy

Award-winning Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah. The students had an opportunity to learn about Joanne and hermusic, performwith her

and learn about her love of music. Joanne also took an opportunity to perform her original song Mother Earth.

The Gym, Swim & Music Program is offered throughout the school year for homeschool children on Thursdays and features swim lessons, physical fitness class and music all in one visit to the Y. This program allows participants opportunities to spend time with friends, engage in healthy activities and gives parents connections in the homeschool community.

For registration information, visit the Y’s website at www.ymcatrivalley. org or call the Front Desk at 315-363-7788.

PHOTO BY FRANK VALENTINO Students take part in a recent Christmas concert at the Oneida Family YMCA.

Students put on a Christmas concert at the Oneida Family YMCA.

PHOTO BY FRANK VALENTINO Grammy Award-winning Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah performs at the Oneida Family YMCA.