Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit
Reported by Erik Smith
Web produced by Christiana Ciolac

Ken Anderson is the director of the choir. Video

Music and the Motor City have always gone together like hand in glove. You don't have one without the other. The rhythm of Detroit life has always been reflected in the sounds of our music.

For the past 10 years that restrict rhythm and sound of Detroit has been pouring fourth from Mosaic who defy labels and stereotypes and define themselves and their visions in the very music they make together.

"One of the biggest kind of rewards to me from my job is that I get to see young people who may have never met and magic happens."

Not too many years ago, Mosaic's musical Director Ken Anderson was one of those teenagers, a Mosaic Theatre freshman who came to sing and learn, and then came back home to share his talents and love with the family once again. This time, it was for keeps.

"I wanted to create a choir of young people that did not fit the stereotype that you would normally hear from a Detroit choir. A lot of times, we go out of town and people say, 'Oh, you guys sing gospel or what, Motown songs?' I say that we do a little of both of those, but we also sing Handel, Beethoven, and we do everything."

You might be tempted to say gee, that's nice. But it's much more than just nice. Thanks to Ken Anderson's personal commitment to the kids and to overall excellence in everything they do, Mosaic has become another word for family here.

"I'm not trying to create wonderful performing artists. That happens, that just happens. What I'm trying to make sure is that we are the stewards for young people to grow up, for young people, for the full person, the whole person."

They have what is called the Detroit area's foremost youth ambassadors and they have been heard around the world from Washington to Zimbabwe to Copenhagen. Hard work and responsibility will always lead to opportunity.

"We have performed a lot of places and gotten a lot of accolades, but the real reason I do this is because it changes these kids. To learn that in life, we don't always get along. We don't get along with everybody we meet or talk to, but we all got to learn to live and work together."

In September when it is audition time again, the Mosaic family will welcome new faces that will blend with some older faces, whatever the challenge, the exuberance of youth will be harnessed, polished and released in a burst on a stage to another audience. Ken Anderson and the kids would love to have you there.

Contact the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit at 313-872-6910 or online at MosaicDetroit.org

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