GUEST COLUMN: Youth chorus about more than song

Upon entrance into the Star Heights Recreation Center, you immediately realize that the lyrics above is what matters most to this group of young chorus members and Colin Burdge, the artistic director of Rio Rancho Youth Chorus (a program of Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads).

They couldn’t care less about their surroundings, as they are totally focused on preparations for their upcoming May concert. However, this is a somewhat smaller group of youth chorus members than have participated in the past. “I have 13 total members,” explained Burdge. Pre-COVID the group was over 35 singers. “It is a balancing act,” continues Burdge, “I try to make it a balancing act with the songs that I choose so that it is engaging for them. While at the same time I try to make it challenging. I try to find music that fits both concepts.”

The youthful, highly energetic director is keenly aware of the challenges he faces in growing the group. “Kids like to be in chorus but also a lot of other things,” he explained. “It takes up their time and focus. Sometimes they must miss rehearsals, so I try to program music that is easy and fun for them to learn. I try to see where they are with the music.”

At the same time, Colin works hard to raise his troops to a higher level. “You need to have one or two challenging pieces, particularly ones that challenge the beginners to strive forward,” he said.

So, what type of numbers does he choose?

“One of those numbers for our upcoming concert is ‘Come Fly With Me’ by Frank Sinatra. It has a lot of jazz in it, and it teaches them just how fun it is. And the enthusiasm of the older students in performing such a piece rubs off on the younger ones.”

Colin has only recently been awarded the position of Rio Rancho Youth Chorus artistic director but has great hopes for the growth of the group. “I would love the youth chorus to become a pinnacle of excellence. In Rio Rancho I would like it to become a beacon of choral excellence. I want my students to want additional challenges with expansion of both music and social experiences. In my youth it helped to give me a different outlook on life,” Colin pointed out.

Burdge, a graduate of Eldorado High School and Gonzaga University, where he graduated cum laude in Vocal Music Performance, in a very short time has immersed himself in his role as the youth group’s artistic director. “Everything you hear is my responsibility,” he offered. “I hire the musicians and conduct, along with selecting and teaching the music.

And where did he get this foundation?

“I model myself after my high school choir teacher, Clarissa Clark. She had an ability to create a joyful musical space, Colin gushed. “And Aaron Howe, the Youth Chorus’ former director, is the person I most closely related with over the past decade. He builds and strengthens programs. And I want to do the same.”

As you watch Colin direct his youth chorus, it is obvious that he has a tremendous love for choral groups. “I love chorus because it is the artistry of voices coming together to create beautiful music. But I love theater as well. I don’t think I could really choose between the two,” he explained.

On the musical theater side, Colin has won leads in a number of productions, including: “Company,” “Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde,” and “Grease,” just to mention a few of his ever-lengthening line of credits.

Neal Shotwell, the volunteer executive director of Creative Crossroads, offers huge praise for this 34-year-old blossoming superstar. “Colin Burdge is one of the most talented and sought after directors and performers in our area. I am continually amazed at the high quality he is able to bring out of a wide variety of performers. RRYC is extremely fortunate to have Colin leading us.”

Wonderful words, but Colin realizes that it will take a quality effort for the youth chorus to reach the highest pinnacle of success. “It takes a lot of patience and commitment from all aspects – students and parents! It takes commitment from everybody. It is the only way the arts can survive. I need the parents to understand that as much as the kids do.”

Of course, there is yet another side of Colin. He is an avid reader, enjoys crafts, gardening, and crocheting as well. And in addition to all the time he puts in as the Youth Chorus artistic director, he picks up some extra bucks as a pizza server at Scarpa’s Restaurant in Albuquerque.

It won’t be long before his choral group takes the stage for its spring concert. “We will be performing May 18th and 19th for two matinees at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rio Rancho,” Colin explained. “There is a ton of work to do for us to be ready, but this group is committed.”

It won’t be a surprise if that concert is a joy to everyone’s ears who is fortunate enough to attend. After all…the troupe will most certainly sing good enough and loud enough for everyone else to hear. They’re just going to sing, sing a song — with Colin Burdge leading the way! Tickets are available at rr-cc.org. You can find information about all of Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads programs there, too.

Mel Sussman is the founder and artistic director of the Rio Rancho Players Community Theatre, a program of Rio Rancho Creative Crossroads, a multi-discipline community arts 501c3 organization in Rio Rancho.