FALL PROGRAMS — Dozens of area youth are meeting weekly at the Sycamore Youth Center to take part in its fall programs, the Sycamore Classical Choir and the Sycamore Folk Dancers. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — This fall, dozens of young people throughout the community will gather each week at the Sycamore Youth Center to explore the richness of music and cultural expression through the nonprofit’s two programs being offered.

Zac Gordon and Jariel Henthorn, leaders at the center, are directing the Sycamore Classical Choir and the Sycamore Folk Dancers.

Both are growing arts programs cultivating creativity, discipline and joy among students between the ages of 7 and 18.

The Sycamore Classical Choir meets weekly and provides students with vocal training and performance experience in a supportive, faith-based environment.

The choir will present a fall recital featuring hymns, traditional German folk songs and selections of classical music, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the center.

The Sycamore Folk Dancers have emerged as a highly-skilled group of international-style dancers, Bauman stated.

The students are preparing to perform at major community events this season.

The schedule will include Oglebayfest, First Fridays on Fourth and the Valley’s Got Talent competition.

“These two programs have been a tremendous blessing to our students and to the community,” Bauman commented.

“Zac and Jariel have done a phenomenal job leading these efforts,” he added. “It’s inspiring to see children so excited to share the beauty of the arts and global culture through song and dance.”

Bauman said the groups are consistently drawing strong participation. Dozens of children have been attending the rehearsals each week, he added.

“The joy and confidence we see in these young people as they perform, is what Sycamore is all about — building character, cultivating talent and sharing God’s gifts with others,” he said.

The youth center continues to expand its arts programming as part of its mission to provide free enrichment opportunities to local youth in a safe and uplifting environment.

For information about upcoming performances or how to get involved, visit sycamorecenter.com.