When you hear Chyniah Woods sing, you might be surprised to learn she's only a junior in high school.
A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County's Elkhart Teen Club, Woods has a voice that has a richness beyond her years. But she may come by it naturally. Woods comes from a musical family -- both of her parents are involved in music.
"Her mom is a singer and her dad is a gifted music producer and DJ. She carries all that talent," said Quenton Williams, the teen club's media and performing arts supervisor. "When I started interacting with her, I saw her natural, raw ability to sing."
Woods has been working on recording a cover song for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Conference Talent Search. Each year, Club members have a chance to show their talents through dance, song or spoken word. The winners will perform at the national conference.
Woods is recording "My Future" by Billie Eilish. She's not intimidated by the thought of potential national exposure.
"I'm not scared. I'm just excited because if I do good, I know the opportunities that come with it. If I don't make it this time, I'll try again next year," Woods said.
This is the second time she's entered the competition. While she's singing a song written by someone else this time, she's also started writing her own music. Woods said she's never sure where inspiration will appear.
"When it comes, it comes. I could be washing the dishes and I think of something. Boom, the lyrics and melody just pop into my head."
She said that's where the song she is working on now came to her. As for her motivation to create and perform, Woods said she is always trying to push herself to try new things.
"You are your biggest critic. Coming from a musical family I have high expectations. From my point of view, when I feel like I need to get out of my comfort zone. So when things like this come up, it's me trying to push myself."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County began operations in 1956, and today the Clubs provide programming and services for the most at-risk boys and girls within the community. Each day, the Clubs provide powerful relationships with the youth they serve and open avenues of opportunity for young people across their community by offering safe places where young people can learn, grow and succeed.
