UPAF is a multi-faceted performing arts organization with an artistic focus on promoting soulful arts education, training and performances in the areas of choral music, dance, drama, creative writing, oratory and instrumental music.

Understanding The Voices of Unity Youth Choir (VOU)

What is the Youth Choral Program?
The Youth Choral Program (Voices of Unity Youth Choir) is the first phase of our Choral Program. It is a soulful choral group comprised of young people ages 8 to 20 from various backgrounds in the Fort Wayne community.

What do we offer the young people in the Youth Choral Program?
• We provide an educational platform for students to learn, study and perform mainstream soulful music, such as blues, jazz, spirituals, gospel, R&B, country, hip-hop, neo-soul and some rap.

• Students are exposed to non-traditional performing arts education that includes learning and studying the historical significance of mainstream soulful music.
They are artistically trained how to sing and perform each style of soulful music in its authentic form.

• They are inspired and encouraged to unleash their creativity and potential, which gives them a sense of accomplishment and value. We help them come out of their social, artistic and emotional boxes.

• They are taught the importance of valuing, protecting and supporting artistic excellence for generations to come. "We will reach back to give back."

• Students are exposed to character-building tools such as discipline, respect for authority, self-control and leadership. This builds confidence and self-esteem, and it gives young people the hope to live, dream and discover their hidden potential.

• We provide career, academic and behavioral direction for our students. We encourage members to dream and talk about their careers NOW! We also connect them with the professional and successful people in the fields they would like to work in one day. We promote and support achievement in academics, citizenship and community service.

• Students can participate in field trips, fundraisers, fun activities, camps, concerts and tours. They will be exposed to first-class professional productions and recordings, and meet and sing with professional artists in the music industry. Students who are looking for an empowering environment will have many wonderful, exciting and unforgettable experiences while participating in the Voices of Unity.

When do we have rehearsals?
The Voices of Unity Youth Choir rehearses on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IN) in Classroom Medical Building Room 35-C on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m.