The Kids in Koncert (aka KiK) choir, which operates out of the Capital Playhouse in Olympia, has been around for close to 15 years. In that time, Director Troy Arnold Fisher has taken about 40 kids a year, most of whom have no professional vocal training, and made them into the premier youth choir in the Northwest. Joining requires no tryout; the program is open to kids ages 8 to 18 who want to make some noise. However, the choir does include two student-led a cappella groups that are by audition only, TroyzBoyz and Krazy8 for the girls.

"Being a member of the group really presents so many great opportunities, and the kids are really challenged and pushed to learn a lot - musically and otherwise," explained Marketing Director Stephanie Nace.

Amy Jilek, age 8, couldn't agree more.

"I love it! It gives young kids a chance to show what we can do," said Amy, whose father, Pete, is a Navy Reserve lieutenant commander.

"Amy is the youngest, and so she is just not as polished as the older kids yet," explained her mother, Lorrie Jilek. "She never feels left out or out of place. The group is great that way."

"I think our group is unique because of the broad range of ages it includes. Plenty of school groups travel but are typically more segmented by age," said Nace.

Speaking of travel, KiK recently returned from an eight-day trip to Rodez, France, where they stayed with numerous host families and toured local schools helping to tutor in English and give performances. The trips are biennial with an international one every four years, and when kids register, they must commit to the travel plans. Costs for a trip each year do increase substantially, and parents are welcome to come along if they choose.

Each year the choir performs at a variety of venues, from the tree lighting ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda to the Army Band's Christmas concert on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main. On Saturday, May 1, catch the last KiK performance of the school year at 2 p.m. at the South Puget Sound Community College's KJM Center for the Arts. The concert is free and open to the public.

Annual fees to join the choir are $325. The program runs from September to May. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Capital Playhouse, 612 Fourth Ave. E., in Olympia. For more information, call (360) 943-2744.

Sign up for our free newsletter.