The Young Vocal Artists of Los Angeles is a semi-professional choir of gifted young singers and performers male and female, ages 8 – 18 under the direction of  Grammy-Winning vocalist, composer-arranger-conductor, voice instructor, Darlene Koldenhoven.

Whether pop or classical sound, these talented kids with their fresh voices are motivated to enhance their music skills through the choir’s involvement in weekly studies with Ms. Koldenhoven in voice, pitch-training, sight-singing, music theory, and performance, resulting in a variety of recording projects and performing opportunities for the most promising members – some with experience singing on almost one hundred different recording sessions with Ms. Koldenhoven and the group.  For example: “Freedom Writers” film with will.i.am producing, major motion pictures for Disney, Warner Brothers and Paramount, Television shows, commercials, videos, albums - some with David Foster producing, thousands of Choral Publisher Demonstrations for Hal Leonard Company with Andy Waterman producing, and over 250 songs in two months in all styles and languages for the 2004 McGraw-Hill music textbook series, Spotlight on Music with Andy Waterman producing and Darlene Koldenhoven producing vocals.

These various settings provide tremendous educational opportunities – musically, socially, vocally, in performance protocol, also improving reading, movement, self-confidence, and much more. The members of YVALA possess a multi-ethnic background in the music and languages of many cultures. English, Spanish, French, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, Portuguese, German, Korean and Japanese are some of the languages spoken and sung by YVALA members.

Many choir members play instruments, write their own songs, and are involved with other performing arts activities. They are encouraged to bring their work to class for feedback and preparation. All members can read music and are driven by the desire to continually improve their musicianship through fun, educational activities in class and during recording sessions. Ms. Koldenhoven’s preparation choir starts at age 5 and YVALA at age 8 through 18. Membership is by audition only.

As a consummate music industry professional, director Darlene Koldenhoven has enjoyed working throughout her career with children of all ages. She has opened her doors to private students in piano and voice since age 17 and began her first teaching position at age 20 in the Chicago suburbs as K-5 Public School Music Teacher.  After teaching for six years in Illinois, opportunities opened up in Los Angeles as a solo artist and where her work educating children and conducting them in recordings and performances continues to this day.  She has also taught music to gifted and special needs children in IL District 59 and music readiness to infants, toddlers and young children at CSUN. Darlene has a Masters in Voice and Bachelors in Music Education from Chicago Conservatory College and has been on the voice faculties of UCLA, CSUN, CSLA, and Citrus College. Her illustrious career information may be found at her artist website and includes highlights of her work as choir nun and production vocal coach and music director for both Sister Act films with Whoopi Goldberg, featured soloist in PBS TV Special Yanni, Live at the Acropolis, and two #1 albums on the radio charts voted Best Vocal Album and Best Holiday Album 2007 by Broadcasters worldwide.

Audio Samples of YVALA with Ms. Koldenhoven can be listened to here.  (Coming Soon)

Lionel Ritchie album:

     Let There Be

Andy Waterman Productions for Hal Leonard Co.

    Step Into The Spotlight

    My Favorite Things

    Good King Wenceslas

    Channukkah Miracle of Lights

    Holiday Season Here at Last

    Jingle Bell Rock

    Ring the Bells