FACT SHEET
Mission: Careers in Agriculture/Chorale
Choir Sings at the Youth Leadership Lab Closing Awards Ceremony – 2015
Since 1985 the Youth Leadership Lab residential camp has been sponsored by the
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. During the closing Awards Ceremony, the
National Anthem is always sung in conjunction with a video. Texan native Beyoncé
provided the inspiration one year. Another year the Unit used Marvin Gaye’s version of
the National Anthem. This year an actual Choral sang!
Singing provides a creative outlet for youth. “Youth are encouraged to participate in
choral groups as it is strongly correlated with qualities that are associated with success
throughout life,” according to Chorus America. More than 42 million Americans sing in
choruses.
Left: Willie Rollerson III conducts the first Youth Leadership Lab Choir.
“The first choir in the Cooperative Extension Program 4-H history ended up being an
all-girls chorale and included Camp Director Dr. Joice A. Jeffries,” stated Choir Director
Willie Rollerson III. The pianist was 14-year old Darian Sullivan.
Pianist: Darian Sullivan.
“Choral activities in elementary, middle, junior high and high schools and beyond are
part of a rich heritage,” according to the website of Texas Choral Directors Association.
Youth Lab Choir Director – Willie Rollerson III
“From the first time they opened up their mouths to sing, you could tell that most of the
students had sang with a choir, reported Rollerson. “I would say that it was pure,” he
said. “It was hard to believe that it had been their very first time singing together, with only
one rehearsal.” “They did a great job!” exclaimed 4-H Program Leader, Dr. Rukeia DrawHood.
“Choirs give youth the opportunity to be front and center, baby!” reported the Chorus
America Impact Study. Rollerson III concluded, “It was awesome to have a group that
was so eager to sing and make beautiful music.” The director said, “It was that eagerness
that made the choir a success and a beautiful experience.”
Joice A. Jeffries, Ph.D.
4-H and Youth Development Specialist
(President-Elect, American Association Family and Consumer Sciences - Texas)
https://www.pvamu.edu/cahs/4-h-youth-development/#
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Act of September 29, 1977, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas AgriLife Extension. Alton
B. Johnson, Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Cooperative Extension
Program, Prairie View A&M University.