What people are saying.

  • Being a part of the Spotlight Performance Academy choir has been such a positive thing for me in many ways. Not only has it boosted my confidence by getting me back onstage after 20+ years, it has reconnected me with doing something that I love! As if that wasn’t enough, it also has given me the opportunity to connect with my sister (also in the choir) who got me to join choir way back in our high school years. The support that the choir members show for one another (both on a personal level and in their professional and artistic endeavors) is simply amazing. Spotlight Performance Academy is building a stronger community as a whole and making a positive impact in the Homewood community and beyond!

    — Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • I have been with Spotlight’s community choir since its inception. Watching this group grow so quickly from less than 20 members to over 70 has been such a privilege. It is a true testament to Carrie Bonanotte’s leadership and unique ability to inspire confidence in adults that have a broad range of singing experience. Beyond the music, we have established a strong sense of camaraderie and community that was unexpected, recruiting more friends to join, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. An acquaintance from 20 years ago that I hadn’t seen in over a decade is now my very best friend due in no small part to our participation in this choir. I sincerely hope this organization remains strong for years to come and that I can continue to be a part of their programming.”

    — Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • Being a part of Spotlight Performance Academy has changed my life for the better. When I joined the adult community choir, not only did I find an enjoyable creative outlet, but a community of people who have become some of my dearest friends. At a time when we have become more isolated and online as a society, as a stay at home parent this was my lifeline. Research has shown that singing in a choir greatly benefits one’s health and happiness. This has been agreed upon by so many of our choir members. Spotlight has created a consistent and safe place for both adults and children to gather each week. Not only is it fun, but the level of instruction and the shows produced are of the highest quality. I’m so proud to be a part of this growing, woman owned organization!

    — Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • My mother always jokes about the fact that I started talking at the moment of birth (and have not stopped since). Singing followed in quick succession. We were raised in the Catholic Church so singing was a proud way to express one’s faith. And I was PROUD! I found so many amazing outlets for my desire to sing while in elementary, middle school, high school and even in college. I never lost my love of music, but I lost the frequency of opportunity to stretch that muscle. Children, a husband, and a career filled my hours and I became less and less aware of this lost piece of my identity. Through what I consider to be serendipity, I was able to see the first iteration of Ms. Bonanotte’s community choir perform at one of our village events. I went home that night and registered. The opportunity to continue my development as a vocal musician and musical performer was reignited! It has been my absolute pleasure to be a member of this community of amazing individuals. The choir has grown exponentially since that first performance I witnessed. A sub-community of music lovers/musicians/music appreciators has evolved. It was something that was missing from our community and it has become an important group for so many individuals (myself included). I am so proud to be part of this group and feel rather elite when I wear my Bel Canto spirit attire in the community. People are quick to complement the choir and often reference the last performance to which they were privy. I cannot say enough positively about this safe, inclusive opportunity for artistic development for all ages.

    - Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • Over the past three years, my son Jaxson has been engaged in improv classes led by Kate Wiersema at Spotlight Performance Academy. At 13 years old and on the autism spectrum, Jaxson has faced challenges in finding organizations that can effectively support his unique needs. Improv is a multifaceted art form, and Kate has dedicated herself to teaching Jaxson the various techniques that contribute to a successful performance. Throughout this journey, Jaxson has gained invaluable skills in timing, quick thinking, and adaptability, significantly enhancing his stage presence. The improv workshops have not only been educational for him but have also become a highlight of his week. I am incredibly grateful to Kate and Spotlight Performance Academy for providing Jaxson with this wonderful opportunity to grow, develop his talents, and truly enjoy his time on stage.

    - Improv Parent

  • Joining the Bel Canto Community Choir, under the direction of the joyful, knowledgeable, & talented Carrie Bonanotte, has been a transformative experience for me. As someone who spent years struggling with anxiety around gathering in groups, I never imagined that joining a choir could change my life so profoundly. From the moment two years ago when I stepped into that first rehearsal, I felt an incredible sense of belonging. The supportive atmosphere and camaraderie among choir members helped me break free from my anxiety, and find my old self. As I learned to harmonize and share my voice, I also found it so easy to connect with others in the group. The choir became my safe space, where I could be comfortable without fear of judgment. Through various performances and community events organized by the Spotlight Performance Academy, I have not only developed my musical skills but have also forged great friendships - the kind you know are going to last. The unofficial motto of the Bel Canto Community Choir is "we show up" because we are always coming out to support each other's endeavors. With Spotlight, I have become involved in organizing activities and fundraising programs, something I never thought I’d do again. Now, I find joy in engaging with the community and inspiring others to discover their voices. Thanks to the Bel Canto Community Choir, Carrie Bonanotte, and Spotlight Performance Academy, I’ve re-emerged as a confident and engaged member of my community, embracing opportunities that come my way. I’m truly grateful for this wonderful organization that welcomed me and helped me grow. This experience has literally changed my life!

    - Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • Being a part of Spotlight Performance Academy has enriched my life beyond just the music. It has given me a sense of community and belonging. As a single parent, experiences like these are ordinarily out of reach for me for financial reasons. Because of Spotlight's generous scholarship fund, I'm able to fully participate year-round.

    - Spotlight Member

  • I have been a  member of Bel Canto Community Choir for 2 years. As a retired senior, this has helped me to make new friends of all ages and given me the opportunity to learn new skills and develop confidence in my ability to perform. This choir welcomes all, regardless of singing abilities and is a source of community engagement, scholarships support and pride. Bel Canto Choir has become a huge part of my life, I am both grateful and proud to be part of it.

    - Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  •  I am writing this testimonial with the highest praise possible.  I first became a member of the Bel Canto Choir before the pandemic when it was a small group of probably 10 to 15 people at the most.  From the beginning I felt such a connection to the people in the group but more so to our Director Carrie Bonanotte.  She has such enthusiasm for presenting new music in such a way that it is truly a pleasure to go to practice each week and to rise up to the expectations she has for the group. Her passion for teaching and compassionate nature make a person want to sing to the best of their ability.  It is so amazing to see that we are now a group of at least 70 people from all walks of life that with blended voices sing such amazing songs and perform during the winter, spring, and summer at different venues.  This community choir is truly an asset to the South Suburban music scene.

    - Bel Canto Community Choir Member

  • "We are so grateful to have Spotlight Performance Academy in our community. My daughter tried out for the summer musical last summer with tons of enthusiasm and energy but not a ton of experience. We were all a little surprised when she was cast in a larger role in the show. We were amazed to see how the directors were able to develop her talent as well as the other kids in the show. Participating in these shows has developed her confidence and it’s been amazing to see her and the other kids work together with the directors towards a common goal of putting on an unforgettable show. "

    - Spotlight Parent