Welcome to Lifted!
Welcome to Lifted!, the vibrant South Seattle youth gospel choir that resonates with the heartbeats of young voices aged 7 to 18. Lifted! is not just a choir, but a nurturing and inclusive community that aims to empower young voices and hearts through music and shared experiences.
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Lifted! stands proud as a tuition-FREE music program, with open arms to donations that fuel our meaningful work within the community.
Our joy is in fostering a haven—a space that's safe, joyous, and inclusive, where young minds and hearts can find their sense of belonging, and where each individual is celebrated and cherished.
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Our purpose extends beyond singing; we're committed to nurturing capable and confident leaders. We aim to empower our youth to create lasting impacts on the world. Together, we remind ourselves of our worthiness, our capacity for excellence, and our unbreakable bond as an extraordinary family.
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Lifted! is proudly sponsored by Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, a beacon of support for our mission. While our core age group spans 7 to 18, we also welcome applications from ages 5 to 7 on a case-by-case basis, recognizing the unique potential in every young soul.
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We invite you to be part of our vibrant and passionate Lifted! community. Whether you're a young singer, a supporter of the arts, or simply seeking a space of belonging, you're warmly invited to share in our journey of musical growth, cultural enrichment, and boundless love.
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Our Story
At Lifted!, our journey began in 2021 through the partnership of Seattle Children's Chorus (SCC) and Lake Burien Presbyterian Church. Director Crystal Hairston's vision aimed to nurture youth talents via arts, especially gospel music.
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Our partnership with SCC unveiled a profound truth: the necessity to foster a program deeply rooted in community values, accessibility, and cultural understanding. It became evident that a new narrative needed to unfold, one that would address the unique needs of our diverse community in a holistic manner.
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In pursuit of this aspiration, we embarked on a mission to dismantle barriers and create an environment where every family could participate in our creative journey. Collaborating closely with parents, we made the pivotal decision to venture independently from SCC, a transition that received their blessing. Thus, Lifted! was born—a tuition-free, community-driven children's choir that stands as a beacon of accessibility and artistic growth.
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Lifted! stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, recognizing the significance of varied backgrounds, learning styles, and cultures. Our choir is an authentic reflection of the rich tapestry of our community. In Burien, where 35% of families are first-generation immigrants and over 46% reside in bilingual households spanning Latinx, Asian, Native/Indigenous, NHPI, Black, and mixed-race identities, we are dedicated to echoing this diversity within our leadership and membership.
Mission
Empowering Young Voices through
Inclusive Arts to Build Community
Our mission is steadfast: to empower young voices, embrace cultural differences, and weave together a harmonious narrative that resonates with the heart of our community. Through creative expression, collaboration, and a shared love for music, Lifted! aspires to uplift not only our participants, but the very essence of South Seattle itself. Join us in celebrating the kaleidoscope of talent that thrives within our community, as we continue to craft a vibrant and inclusive future through the language of music.
Our Director
Meet Crystal Hairston, a Pacific Northwest native hailing from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. As the daughter of two pastors and the member of a large musical family, Crystal's journey began with an early love for God and a passion for music. As she embarked on her musical pursuits, she discovered her calling in the realm of urban missions and pastoral ministry.
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Crystal's remarkable journey spans over 15 years, during which she lent her vocal talents to a diverse range of gospel, CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), and secular musical projects. This rich musical background ultimately unveiled her true passion: working with children. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, Crystal's commitment to education led her through a decade of service in both public and private sectors.
In 2012, Crystal's path led her to the thriving city of Seattle, WA. Here, she seamlessly blended her love for education and her musical inclinations as an elementary vocal music teacher. Within this role, Crystal found a harmonious space to channel her artistic prowess, including stage production, songwriting, and art design. As a multi-talented individual, she also embraced the role of worship leader, captivating diverse audiences with her musical expressions.
Currently, Crystal Hairston proudly serves as the Director of Worship Arts at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, where her musical gifts and educational fervor intertwine seamlessly. Beyond her congregational contributions, Crystal remains deeply engaged with her community as a mentor, advisor, vocal coach, and visual artist.
Yet amidst her myriad of responsibilities, her most cherished moments are those spent alongside her best friend and husband, Tali, and their beautifully blended family of six.