Intensive Arts Mentorship (I AM): `Til Dawn A Cappella
Til Dawn, Youth in Arts A Cappella ensemble is an advanced vocal music program for motivated young artists. `Til Dawn celebrates the value of the arts, encourages positive messages about meaningful social issues, and inspires children of all ages. The group performs a mix of rock, pop, blues, jazz and soul standards and contemporary hits, in addition to original songs by group members.
`Til Dawn is a tuition-based program, but no student is ever turned away because of inability to pay.
Alumni and current members or `Til Dawn sing If You're Out There during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Upcoming:
2025-2026 `Til Dawn Auditions
May 12, 2025; 5:30 – 9:30 pm
LOOKING FOR HIGH SCHOOL VOCALISTS!
Youth in Arts’ `Til Dawn A Cappella ensemble is holding auditions for youth grades 9-12. `Til Dawn is an advanced vocal music program for motivated young artists that celebrates the value of the arts, encourages positive messages about meaningful social issues, and inspires children of all ages.
What to prepare?
Auditionees should prepare 1 minute of 1 song of any genre. It’s better if the genre is pop, jazz, rock, r&b, gospel, folk or blues.
Can I do a private audition on another date?
No
What is the audition process?
Step One: Sing 1 minute ofa song (preferably your song snippet a
cappella. ‘Til Dawn’s repertoire typically consists of 20+ songs,
ranging from doo wop classics to Motown to Maroon 5. The vast
majority of our repertoire is in English, and is pop, rock, folk, classic
R&B, or jazz-based. 1 minute of anything in one of these genres will
be appropriate.
Step Two: Pitch Matching. Austin will play a series of pitches on the keyboard and you sing them back on whatever vowel you want.
Step Three: Sing a background part in a quintet/sextet with `Til Dawn.
Additional Information
`Til Dawn rehearses 6 hours a week, roughly forty-six weeks a year. In addition to the rehearsals, `Til Dawn averages about 25 performances a year; these typically include a mix of community events, fairs, festivals, elementary and middle schools, private parties, mental health centers and periodic radio and television
appearances.
The group typically goes on three weekend-long retreats a year to strengthen the interpersonal relationships in the group. We are looking for people who want to learn about music, about performing, about listening and about being a part of an ensemble.
Upcoming Performances
April 16, 2025
Archie Williams High School
April 25, 2025
San Marin High School
April 30, 2025
Tamalpais High School
May 17, 2025; 11 am – 4 pm
C Street Celebration: FREE Community Festival of Creativity
Join `Til Dawn for a FREE, full length concert celebrating the group’s work from throughout the year. As part of YIA’s C Street Celebration, join us as we witness the passion, creativity, and talent of these young musicians. Bring friends and family to this community-focused concert.
June 7, 2025; 12:00 – 6:00 pm
46th Annual Fairfax Festival
`Til Dawn will be performing on the Redwood Stage at 1:05 pm.
ANNOUNCING:
New Members of `Til Dawn
Sierra Goldberg, 2027, Archie Williams HS
Maggie Pierce, 2028, Archie Williams HS
Maila Van Peursem 2028, San Rafael HS
Welcome to `Til Dawn a cappella!
Mentor Artist Austin Willacy
Members of `Til Dawn receive hundreds hours of instruction and mentorship each year from Director Austin Willacy. Austin provides not only vocal training and direction, but also leads `Til Dawn members in discussions and retreats that build the group’s cohesion as well as the critical thinking and interpersonal skills of each member.
Austin is a professional singer and songwriter who performs and records both solo and with Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. artists The House Jacks. `Til Dawn members often have opportunities to see Austin perform with the House Jacks or his own band. Most years `Til Dawn will open for the House Jacks in at least one professional performance. Read more about Austin here.