The Rainier Youth Choirs performs its Made in America concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent.

The concert features RYC's three youth choirs singing traditional American folk tunes and songs created by American composers with guest instrumentalists on banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and bass.

"The "Made in America" theme gave me choices from a huge variety of traditional music and songs by American composers and lyricists," said Artistic Director Leora Schwitters. "We've got bluegrass, a cowboy song, musical theater, a jazz ballad, American Indian, spirituals, gospel, Mark Twain, even some Paul Simon—it's going to be a very enjoyable and eclectic celebration of our rich musical heritage, leaning more toward the lighter side."

The concert will close out RYC's 2011-12 season. The singers then head off to the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival in Port Townsend and the Pacific International Children's Choir Festival in Eugene, Ore.

Tickets for $10 and $12 can be purchased in advance at www.rainieryouthchoirs.org or for $12 and $15 at the door.

RYC is a family-friendly choral music education and performance program for singers in grades four through college.

The group is holding informal auditions for fall enrollment and will be hosting its first Summer Choir camp Aug. 20-23 for kids entering fourth through eighth grades. The $25 camp fee includes all clinic materials, a camp T-shirt, and a concert and dinner for each camper and two guests.

For more information or to schedule an audition visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org, call 253-347-0180, or e-mail ryc@rainierchoralarts.org.

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