Youth March Schedule

Youth April Schedule

Youth May Schedule

What's a UTZ?

• Urban Dictionary definition: a delectable Bronx treat
• An acronym for the Unsupervised Teenage Zone
• Line Joe Pesci gives in the movie My Cousin Vinny where he refers to "the two UTZ in question"

Doug Fritzche actually borrowed the Joe Pesci line many years ago to name our Shepherd of the Valley youth band. The UTZ provides an opportunity for our mid and high schoolers to expand their musical gifts for worship.

Beginning in sixth grade, anyone wanting to make a joyful noise can join the band. Danny Medrano has led the UTZ over the past several years and the current UTZ band is up to nine members! They have a regular gig playing every third Sunday at worship as well as offering their songs up at special events like Chile Fest and Menaul youth picnics. They even entered a local talent show last spring. If you are interested in being a part of this music ministry, contact Danny Medrano or Debi Eisenhour. All are welcome.

Our youth praise band, the UTZ, competed in the Rio Rancho Battle of the Bands on Saturday, March 12th at 7:30pm.

Under the leadership of Dan Medrano, (6 0f our 10 member band) Laura and Tomas Atencio,Carlie and Rachel Capener, Emma Hines and Derrick Medrano performed 5 contemporary praise and worship songs in the Rock Alternative category of the competition. The crowd was very responsive and supportive; one of the supporters of another Christian youth band, Focus'd, complimented their song choices and commented on our large group.

Others held up hand made signs and cheered for them. After the competition, the UTZ, and their fans enjoyed an evening of fellowship at Dion's pizza. While the UTZ did not place in the competitition, we are all very proud of the love of God they shared.

This was the first time the UTZ have ever competed, though it is not the first time they have taken worship into the world. For several years now, the UTZ have performed at the annual Chile Festival, which raises money for Habitat for Humanity. And last year, 2010, they provided worship music for the Presbytery of Santa Fe's Senior high retreat at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM.