Silence filled the dark auditorium as the audience waited for Davin Youngs to take to the stage. A few seconds later, the audience’s eyes became glued to the stage as Youngs quickly ran up, belting an array improvised sounds. His voice immediately filled the entire space, and the audience couldn’t help but tap their feet. Youngs soon began layering and harmonizing his old and new sounds, demonstrating his well-known talent of improvised singing. “I sing because sometimes I feel like the only way I can express how I feel is through song,” Youngs said to the Parker community. “Organizing those sounds with the intention of creating music is when my sounds become improvised singing.”

From hosting Chicago Circle Singing, coaching contestants on The Voice, leading corporate executives at Coca-Cola in singing, working as music director at Grace Chicago Church, and producing vocals for artists in the recording studio–Davin Youngs has truly done it all. On Wednesday, September 26th, Youngs visited Parker during MX to share his experience and artistry with the community.

For 15 years, Youngs has dedicated thousands of hours to coaching different groups and individuals of all ages. As the founder and owner of “Davin Youngs Voice,” a private studio for singing and acting, Youngs continues to spread his love for the arts, and help singers uncover their most natural sound. “I wanted to start a space for all people, regardless of their experience or what style of music they sing, to explore their voice,” Youngs said. “I believe in the personal transformational power of singing and my studio puts that at the forefront. Performance is an added benefit.” With these values in mind, “Davin Youngs Voice” represents a large number of a broad spectrum of singers, from professional musicians to ordinary individuals.

Youngs has always been openly passionate about singing and the arts. “It used to be that when people asked me what I ‘do’ I’d say ‘I teach singing’,” said Youngs. “These days, I say ‘I’m a singer.’ For me, that’s almost like saying ‘I’m alive.’ Singing is my spiritual practice, my job and my hobby and it is the source of continued joy and growth.” Youngs has not only expressed his passion towards singing itself, but the process of teaching singing to others. “I am committed to my own creative practices and bring that dynamic and energy into all of the work I do leading others in singing experiences,” said Youngs.

Youngs recently decided to expand “Davin Youngs Voice” to offer lessons in more than just singing. “I’m interested in most things that involve the voice, and I was fortunate to have a private singing client who happened to be a terrific actor, director and teacher,” said Youngs. “We decided it would be a great collaboration.” Now, with the help of Youngs’ client, “Davin Youngs Voice” does not only provide singing lessons but acting coaching as well.

“Davin Youngs voice” specializes in Contemporary Commercial Music, and trains clients  in all genres- from rock to classical. Each session consists of 45 minutes of relaxing, strengthening, and improving the voice. “We begin with relaxation, breathing and vocal exercises to slowly get the voice and body “warmed up,” said Youngs. “After exercises, the remainder of the session is dedicated to achieving functional success in singing of songs. Further, we will coach on artistic choices that can enhance performance.”

Youngs acknowledges that this process can be tough for some clients, and strives to make everyone feel safe. “I have the utmost respect for anyone who is willing to share their voice with me,” said Youngs. “I am aware of how vulnerable it can be, regardless of your experience and skill. That being said, I am committed to helping others find their most authentic voice because I know from personal experience how transformative it can be!”

Youngs continues to spread his passion for music to other programs outside of “Davin Youngs Voice.” Youngs founded VOXUS and the Chicago Circle Singing community, which are both gatherings open to all group of people who simply enjoy improvised singing and music. “I believe that everyone can sing and I wanted to create safe and fun opportunities for individuals and groups to learn more about themselves and their unique sound. This is why I started Chicago Circle Singing and my other company, VOXUS.”

Youngs has worked on many musical projects with mainstream companies, such as Coca-Cola and Google, and has even provided vocals for multiple artists in recording studios. “I am committed to my own creative practices and bring that dynamic an energy into all of the work I do leading others in singing experiences,” Youngs said. The improvised singer has also participated in coaching contestants on NBC’s reality singing competition, “The Voice”. “Shows like The Voice can be a terrific way for singers to find a larger audience, but it is important to remember that it is a TV show and the songs the contestants sing are often predetermined,” Youngs said. “That being said, any competition can be fun as there is so much unknown.

Youngs made sure to showcase all of this talent and experience onto the Parker stage during Morning Exercise on Wednesday, September 26th. He began by demonstrating improvised singing by layering his own musical sounds, and then asked the audience to join. He gave assigned each section of the audience a particular tune, and then had everyone sing together to make one harmonizing sound. He then asked the audience what they thought singing was, and shared his own perception. “Singing is for when we need to express something and words don’t suffice,” Youngs said.

During his performance, Youngs asked four students from different grades to join him on stage. Each student camp up with a different tune for their section of the audience to sing. “I loved going up on stage to join Davin Youngs,” said junior Jared Saef. “The activity was very enjoyable, and I loved getting to share my love of singing with the entire school!”

Youngs engaged the entire community by encouraging them to sing and dance to along to their assigned melodies. “Davin Youngs kept me on the edge of my seat for his entire performance,” said junior Claire Levin. “I loved how he got the whole audience to participate in his improvisation.”