VocalEssence Singers Of This Age

“I am a VocalEssence Singers Of This Age alumni. I graduated high school and went on to bigger and better things. I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. I recommend this experience to anyone—anyone who wants to be themselves and create bonds and meet new people and perform in great places. This is definitely the place to be.”
—VESOTA Member

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The VocalEssence Singers Of This Age (VESOTA) is a community of Twin Cities teenagers engaged in expanding what it means to be a choir and, encouraging a wider circle of participation in the artform. Under the visionary leadership of G. Phillip Shoultz, III, the singers present music ranging from classical to hip-hop, they use creativity and collaboration to build an accepting community, equipped with the skills to lead social change in our society.

VESOTA is open to all teenage students upon successful completion of an interview process. There is no cost to participate. Upon making a year long commitment, singers receive free transportation to and from rehearsals and performances, performance uniforms, dinner and snacks, and complimentary concert tickets. The program focuses its attention on teenage students in the Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and Saint Paul Public School systems.

VESOTA engages an impressive team of guest artists. Past artists have included:

Filipina-American rapper and hip-hop artist Dessa
Emmy award-winning actor T. Mychael Rambo
McKnight Artist Fellow and MN Sage Award winning dancer/choreographer Roxane Wallace
Verve-winning spoken-word artist/arts educator Chadwick Phillips
Karen Charles and Threads Dance Company
NBC’s The Voice contestant, Ashley DuBose
Mila Vocal Ensemble and Cameroon Choir

“VocalEssence is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life. I’m so happy that Phillip decided to create this thing and I’m so glad that I decided to be a part of it.”
—VESOTA Member