3 Choirs
All-inclusive Tuition

Timpanogos Youth Choir is a chorus of 2nd-12th graders. Members learn and perform a variety of choral repertoire and improve their singing abilities as choral singers.

Ukulele Youth Choir is open to students age 9-18. Members learn chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and tablature paired with singing classic songs. This choir is divided into two sections based on skill level. Members are required to provide their own ukulele.

Hit It! Rhythm, Chime & Percussion Choir is a chorus of 2nd-12th graders. Members learn skills of rhythm and movement through body percussion, chimes, boomwhackers, and other rhythm instruments.

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REGISTERPAY TUITION

Timpanogos Youth Choirs, a program of the Timpanogos Arts Foundation, is thrilled to announce the addition of two exciting new choirs starting January 2025 in addition to its existing Youth Choir: Ukulele Youth Choir & Hit It! Rhythm, Chime & Percussion Choir.

These dynamic new offerings are directed by M. Ryan Taylor, a seasoned choral director and Kodály-certified developmental music education specialist. Combined with our stellar existing Youth Choir, directed by the talented Miriam Burton and accompanied by Peter Blackham, we’re offering an unmatched musical experience for young performers.

Youth can participate in one, two, or all three choirs for no additional cost—at $300 per year or $150 per semester our tuition remains affordable for families and includes material fees for t-shirts and sheet music! Students will have the opportunity to grow through focused vocal training, hands-on instrumental skills, and the magic of rhythm, movement, and composition. It’s a complete musical journey that builds more well-rounded, confident young musicians.

Rehearsals begin January 7th and 9th. Don’t miss this chance to let your kids explore, create, and thrive through music!

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

TUESDAYS

3:30–4:20 p.m.
Ukulele Youth Choir (Beginners & Level 1)

4:30–5:30 p.m.
Timpanogos Youth Choir

THURSDAYS

3:30–4:20 p.m.
Hit It! Rhythm, Chimes & Percussion Choir

4:30–5:30 p.m.
Ukulele Youth Choir (Level 2+)

Weekly rehearsals are held at the TAF Arts Center, 53 W. Main in American Fork.

2024-25 CALENDAR

Rehearsal dates are listed below and concert dates are bolded. We may add more optional performances as scheduling will allow. Concert dates listed here are mandatory participation concerts.

January 7 & 9 – Rehearsals.
January 14 & 16 – Bring a a friend to choir!
February 18 (4:30–6:00 p.m.) – Clinic with special guest Dr. Erin Bailey for Timpanogos Youth Choir February 25 (5:00–6:30 p.m.) – Concert prep rehearsal for Timpanogos Youth Choir

February 28 (6:00–9:00 p.m.) – Tech Rehearsal Location: TBD
March 1 – Concert
Location: American Fork Jr. High
5:00 p.m. call time
7:00 p.m. concert

March 4 & 6 – Weekly rehearsals begin again.
April 1 & 3 – (no rehearsal – spring break)
April 22 (5:00–6:30 p.m.) – Concert prep rehearsal for Timpanogos Youth Choir

April 25 (6:00–9:00 p.m.) – Tech Rehearsal Location: TBD
April 26 – Spring Concert
Location: TBD
5:00 p.m. call time
7:00 p.m. concert

Contact Us

Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our artistic director and program manager ryan@choirworks.com.

OUR MISSION

Provide an opportunity for musical expression and education in a joyful environment. Youth have the opportunity to participate in a musical experience that is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable. Through the process of practicing and performing choral music with excellence and artistry, the Timpanogos Youth Choirs help to foster the personal, musical and social growth of each child, promoting self-esteem and self-discipline. Contributing to the quality of the cultural life of its members and the community as a whole since 1987.

ABOUT

The Timpanogos Youth Choirs is the longest continually running community performing arts organization in American Fork, Utah and has been performing and blessing the lives of youth in the community since 1987 under the baton of a number of dedicated music educators. American Fork Youth Choirs has performed many times in the community of American Fork and hundreds of youth have benefited from the choir’s programs.

Performance highlights include participation in the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Alpine Tabernacle, the Steel Days Parade, the annual Christmas in the Rotunda concert at the American Fork Library, as well as the International Sing ‘n Joy choral festival hosted by Interkulture. Additional choir highlights include performing the world premieres of the new works “The Sand and the Sea” and “Choirs and Angels Sing.”

Meet M. Ryan Taylor

Program Manager
Ukulele Youth & Hit It! Conductor

M. Ryan Taylor is a dynamic conductor, educator, and advocate for music education with a passion for inspiring youth. A Kodály-certified developmental music specialist, he has dedicated over a decade to cultivating a love of music in young musicians through innovative programs such as youth choirs, ukulele ensembles, and rhythm choirs. Taylor currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Timpanogos Youth Choirs, a role he previously held for over ten years, where he nurtured hundreds of students by emphasizing foundational musical skills, creative expression, and the joy of performance. With a Master of Music in Composition and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University, Taylor’s diverse musical journey spans roles as a vocalist, instrumentalist, composer, and conductor. He further enhanced his expertise by earning Kodály certification through BYU’s Intermuse program, equipping him to guide children through developmental stages of musical growth with engaging, age-appropriate methods. An accomplished ukulele instructor, Taylor founded and directed the Utah Uke Fest and ensembles such as The Happy Valley Ukes and the Ukulele Youth performing group. He has taught ukulele to students of all ages, helping them discover the joy of music through interactive workshops and his educational resources at UkulelePlay.com. His rhythm choir teaching blends Kodály techniques with hands-on experiences, fostering rhythmic precision, musicality, and confidence in his students. As a prolific composer and conductor, Taylor’s choral works, available at Choirworks.com, are performed worldwide. He has directed choirs of all skill levels, from children’s ensembles to advanced groups like Phoenix Rising and the Timpanogos Chorale. His extensive experience extends to opera, musical theater, and art song, providing him with a rich foundation to inspire and mentor his students.

Meet Miriam Burton

Youth Choir Conductor

Miriam Burton graduated summa cum laude with university honors from Brigham Young University with a degree in Music Education. Miriam directs the Timpanogos Arts Choirs in American Fork and directs music for musicals at American Preparatory Academy (APA) in Salem. Miriam taught choir and elementary music at APA from 2017–2022, and she now works as Administrative Assistant for Brigham Young University (BYU) School of Music. Miriam is a passionate singer who has performed in many musicals, operas, and choirs. Some of her favorite roles include Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins, Miss Crookshank in Miracle on 34th Street, Spirit in Dido and Aeneas, and Do-do in The Merry Widow. She studied both in BYU’s voice studio and with Utah Vocal Arts Academy, performed in masterclasses for Wendy Bryn Harmer and Deborah Voigt, and sang for many years with the Grand Chorus of the Utah Valley Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. Piano has also been an important part of Miriam’s life, and she began teaching piano lessons when she was 12 years old. She studied in BYU’s piano studio, and was a featured soloist in Debussy/Ravel: An Anniversary Celebration. She has also accompanied many vocal and instrumental soloists and choirs, including the BYU University Chorale, BYU Welsh Choir, and BYU Asian Choir. In her spare time, Miriam loves snuggling with her cats, watching musicals, and traveling.

Meet Peter Blackham

Collaborative Pianist

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Peter Blackham received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University, studying with esteemed teachers such as Stephen Beus, Irene Peery-Fox, and Jeffrey Shumway. A prize winner in multiple competitions both as collaborator and soloist, including first prizes in the UMTA Concerto Competition, BYU Concerto Competition, and honorable mention in the MTNA Solo Piano Competition at the Utah level, as well as first prize at the Young Collaborative Pianists Competition, hosted by the Utah Collaborative Pianists Guild, he maintains an active collaborative career, playing for soloists and ensembles in both classical and musical theater all around Utah. He has collaborated with local ensembles such as the Sound of Ages choir in a world premiere of composer Andrew Maxfield’s “Book of the Way”, a piece for double choir and jazz-influenced orchestra; Timpanogos Singers; Utah Chamber Artists; GENTRI member Casey Elliott; soloist and Grammy-nominated chorister Chelsea Helm; flutist Beatriz Macias; and a variety of masterclasses for piano and voice. He is currently a staff pianist at the Utah Valley University in both the classical and musical theater departments, and a returning member of the staff at the Utah Valley Opera Festival (formerly Utah Vocal Arts Academy). In his free time he enjoys being physically active through swimming, running, and hiking, and fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Donate Now to Support the Choirs

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TIMPANOGOS YOUTH CHOIRS is the longest continually running community performing arts organization in American Fork, UT. Since 1987, TYC has enriched the lives of hundreds of children and youth, offering a joyful outlet for musical expression. Members engage in challenging and rewarding musical experiences that foster personal, musical, and social growth. The choir promotes self-esteem, self-discipline, and the lasting joy of artistic expression.

TIMPANOGOS SINGERS is a chamber-sized adult choir that provides vocal performance opportunities for community members. Through rehearsals and performances, the choir nurtures musical talents and skills while spreading the beauty of music from diverse cultures and genres to audiences far and wide.

CHOIR NEEDS include hiring accompanists and other musicians, venue rentals, piano moving, and purchasing sheet music. With YOUR support through a tax-deductible donation, we can continue to bring the joy of music to our community, uplifting hearts, and fostering strong, enduring connections.

Every contribution makes a difference. Join us in sustaining the magic of music for all!

Sponsors & Partners

“My son is in the Ukulele choir. He loves it. I believe it helps him socially working with everyone there. He is more responsible and feels like he is part of a team. He can’t wait for the performance coming up too. I am happy he has such a passion to play and that the program is offered. Love the ukulele choir. What an awesome addition to the regular singing choir. Happy it is offered so young and tuition free.”
Brooke Williams, American Fork

“I have two children currently in the choir and they both absolutely love it. They look forward to choir each week and they are learning how to read notes, make their voices match those of the children around them and how to use their voices to make music. What they learn carries over into other aspects of their lives as well and both of them are currently enamored with “The Sound of Music” and how mixing up the different notes make different songs. Ryan is a wonderful teacher with a lot of talent to share with these kids. He is really teaching them some valuable skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.  For our family the choir has been especially helpful as my son has gone deaf in the short period of less than a year. He wears a cochlear implant and for kids with implants, hearing and understanding music is a skill that needs to be practiced and learned. It may take him longer to get the tune of a song and to understand how to hear himself and try to match the tune of the kids around him but he is making great progress! This choir class is really a kind of music therapy for my son that helps him learn to hear music through his implant and how to sing. We are very grateful for the program and for Ryan and all of his efforts on behalf of the children. Ryan has made a very caring effort to help my son improve and to make him a part of the choir at a time when my son was losing his hearing. My son is able to do something that he loves through a challenging time in his life. I will be forever grateful for this. Just this last week, Ryan told my son that he was doing a good job of matching his voice with the kids around him and my son just beamed. Choir is a highlight for my kids and both of them enjoy having the opportunity to learn new songs and perform them. My kids both absolutely love the chimes as well and I think they add a wonderful sound to the choir.”
Taunya Paxton, Pleasant Grove

“My daughter has learned about theory, dynamics, following a musical director, and vocal parts. She has made friends of a variety of ages at choir. They find pure joy and satisfaction by creating beautiful vocal music together. Mr. Taylor is a patient teacher! These kids will be ahead of the game when they enter choirs in junior high and high school! American Fork prides itself on having elite music programs in their schools. These kids will be a great asset to school programs and the community. They also appreciate music and the pure love of singing! This summer the kids loved making music videos at Mr. Taylor’s choir/art camp. They created the art work and the vocals to go with the animated art work. We shared it with friends and family. The kids learned about music, art, and computer technology. They proudly wore the shirts they made and sang in the Steel Days Parade!”
Traci Boulter, American Fork

“This is a skill my daughter has been able to gain only because of attending this class. Having this skill has given her self confidence. She is one of four girls in her family and it has been a way for her to stand out from her sisters because she has put the time into learning it and can share what she has learned with others.”
Holly Hopkins, American Fork

“My son has been involved with the ukulele youth choir program and has really enjoyed it. I have seen his confindence grow as he’s learned to play the ukulele. He has also been more focused, I think as a result of looking at the music and learning to play the notes. This has spilled over into his school work as he’s showing the same dedication he puts into his ukulele into other subject at school.”
Stephanie Nixon, American Fork

“This program has helped my Grand Daughter to be more happy and interested in musical instruments along with singing songs. This program is very helpful in teaching respect for others and self, also this is her way of having interaction with kids her age and older interacting and social skills are being taught to her and kids.”
Douglas S. Kunkel, American Fork

“I love how it has given them confidence. This is a great opportunity for my kids to learn to work in a group and I love that they are learning to sing while they do it.”
Kim Harris, Lehi

“My daughter was so nervous to perform, and be compared to others, she would not play her ukulele for anyone. After joining the ukulele youth choir I could see that changing. She would play songs for her brothers, she got nervous before her first choir performance, but was super excited the next time she performed! She is gaining confidence and losing her self consciousness.”
Clare Moon, Pleasant Grove

“The Ukulele Youth Choir has been wonderful for my daughter. It has help build her self confidence. She is emotionally happier as she learns and develops her musical abilities. I have seen her confidence build socially as she is willing to preform and invite others to come and see. She is excited for class each week. She sings more. She loves to learn and share what she is learning with the ukulele. She is teaching me. She is developing consistent study habits by practicing something she loves at home. My daughter is homeschooling and the Ukulele Youth Choir is an amazing supplement to her education. Thank you. I am so impressed with the quality of our wonderful teacher Ryan Taylor! The communication and accessibility of the program is great! Thank you for making this wonderful class possible!”
Melissa McCumber, Lehi

“My son is in the Ukulele Kids Choir. He is 14 years old and has been in need of something that he could be a part of. He hasn’t been interested in scouting or other youth groups for a variety of reasons. His lack of involvement has taken a toll on his ability to socialize appropriately in a variety of settings, goal setting, confidence, esteem and self-concept, etc.. Since joining the Ukulele group I have seen some positive growth and changes in Seth as his confidence and esteem has grown in healthy ways. He enjoys the lessons and interaction with Mr. Taylor and the other students in his class and above all else he can do something he is proud of…make music. I’ve asked on several occasions if he would rather do something else with his time rather than go to class and practice, in every case he has stated that he wants to countinue learning and he looks forward to each new week with the ukulele class and improving this new found talent and constructive outlet for him. I am grateful to the generosity of the arts foundation and to those who contribute to the success of this particular program. You are playing an important roll in shaping our children into confident productive citizens who have learned to play, make, and love music. To see my son become interested and enthused about something that brings about positive changes in his life and gives him a sense of belonging, direction, and achievement that will have an affect on him throughout his life is very comforting and thrilling. Thank you.”
Bill Coleman, Highland

Historic Photos and Videos

The last of the animated videos from our Animated Music Video camp. Vocals and Artwork by the AFYC. Music, direction and animation by M. Ryan Taylor.

A new animated video from the AFYC! The artwork and vocals are by the children of our Animated Music Video camp. Music, direction and animation by M. Ryan Taylor.

American Fork Children’s Choir’s first animated video. The artwork and vocals are by the children of our Animated Music Video camp. Music, direction and animation by M. Ryan Taylor.

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