Galena Street East crew exhibit sincere joy in their performance. Photo by Susan Raines

Galena Street East costume rehearsal. Photo by Susan Raines

The singing and dancing performers have their full range of personalities from shy and modest to bold and talkative but every one of the Galena Street East crew exhibits substantial character of dedication and diligence. Without these qualities they would not successfully endure the rehearsals, training, and performances; there is a great deal of work involved in learning the numbers and being prepared while also staying on target in their academic studies. Some of the youth have future dreams of careers in the performing arts but a greater number of them simply participate for the value of working together in theatrical productions of song and dance. The initial draw to sing and dance at a level that involves public performance will vary in the minds and hearts of every child on stage; but, there is no reason more obvious than the joy and love that accompanies their performing presence. None of the Galena crew, whether performing child or coordinating adult, is a flawless individual but the inspiration and enjoyment they provide to the public is admirable and unmistakable. 

Galena Street East Santa boys at rehearsal December 2009. Photo by Hiram Raines.

Strict rules encompass the atmosphere of the performing students and staff. Dress regulations insure modesty perseveres during the hectic costume changes that may only be allowed a single minute between numbers. The youth and parent liaisons that travel maintain dress codes while visiting foreign countries or states outside California. No drinking, no smoking, no outrageous behavior is permitted by either children or adults. They are well versed in their roles as representatives of California and the United States whether they simply perform locally or join the Galena group that becomes performing ambassadors.

Anything that provides children a positive source of expression and interaction is a plus in today’s world of youth that often express violence, destructiveness and even depression. They might be square in the eyes of the too cool or jaded youth who can’t brave their own expression in the binds of judgmental peer pressure that often alienates rather than unites; but, what they gain outweighs that potential label. Galena performers from the past have moved on to become successful business people drawing on the experience that gave them confidence, poise, and developed ideals of cooperation and teamwork. According to co-founder and director Jeri Clinger, children too shy to barely speak their name when standing face to face, have blossomed on the stage and found new avenues for developing confidence and public poise. Anyone who ever struggled through their teens looking at the ground and avoiding every class that required elements of public speaking will understand the value of willingly accepting the challenges in the performing arts. Put on a costume, add encouragement and support, apply practice with peers and purpose and the wallflower becomes a star for a day and a stronger adult tomorrow.

Galena Street East actually consists of a number of groups that include the East Street Cloggers, International Children’s Chorus that perform in full costume, Fireside Choir, Allegro, East Street Gang, and Galena.  “Galena Street East is a non-profit organization established in 1972 to develop young artists by giving them the opportunity to perform and use their talents to enrich their lives and those of the community.” The original creators, Richard and Jeri Clinger, have devoted over thirty years to the development of GSE and offer the benefits of extensive achievements in their own theatrical and musical careers. Choreographer Ron Cisneros adds his years of accomplished experience and ”provides the creative vision for Galena Street East's annual productions of Holiday Tapestry and River City Revue.” Perhaps our country would be well served by more like focus on the arts and entertainment experience as a means to counteract the increasing levels of social and personal conflict in our youth today. More information about GSE can be found at their website here or they can be reached at (916) 731-4090 or by email here.  Please see the slideshow below for more photos of recent GSE rehearsals.