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SALT LAKE CITY -- There's no question showing off talents for singing, dancing and other performing arts has become extremely popular on television prime time. The hit FOX program "Glee" is the inspiration for a new performance group in Utah County.
"I believe adamantly that the arts improve the quality of life," said Peter Sessions, Director of Utah County Glee Club. "My goal is to teach local youth to have confidence and a love for performing on stage."
I believe adamantly that the arts improve the quality of life. My goal is to teach local youth to have confidence and a love for performing on stage.
–Peter Sessions
Sessions said this vision became a successful reality in Indiana and he wants to bring the same success to Utah. He also hopes that as Utah's talented teens bring their best "Glee" to the stage, large crowds and much revenue will benefit the Utah arts community.
"It was amazing to see how infectious it became for the community in Indiana," said Sessions. "We were getting some of the largest crowds that any musical group was pulling in that area."
The on-stage performance is a hit with young artists all over. Sessions says there's room in the performance group for teens of all skill level.
"I had a girl come up to me that was in my group with tears in her eyes," explained Sessions. "She said, ‘Peter, that was the first time anybody has ever applauded for me.' "
That's the kind of reaction that Sessions wants to see with the Utah County Glee Club. He says coming together through music can help youth overcome some of the struggles unique to teenage life.
- Tuesday, July 26, 6 p.m.
- On Broadway Theatre
Academy
555 E. Main Street
American Fork
"It's OK to like music; it's OK to express yourself through the arts."
Sessions wants Utah teens, ages 12-18, to showcase their talents in a show to open the first season of the Utah Glee Club this Fall.
The debut performance will be held Sept. 23 and 24 at the newly renovated Stone Gate Center for the Arts in Pleasant Grove.
For more information, email pms@ohmycrafts.com or call 801-369-5680.
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