As part of its renown history, Boston Symphony Hall hosts world-class vocalists from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and world-class musicians from the Boston Pops. Now, for the second consecutive year, Symphony Hall can add elementary-school singers from Chelsea Public Schools to its list of esteemed performers.
This past Monday (January 15), 33 third and fourth grade students from the Berkowitz, Hooks, Kelly and Sokolowski Schools sang at the 21st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert with the Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC). The students are the second cohort from CPS that have sung at the annual MLK concert in Boston.
Standing at center stage in front of a sold-out crowd, the students belted the song “Baba Yetu”, and were also part of the choral ensemble that sang “I Will Sing” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, the two closing numbers for the concert.
“Partnering with the Boston Children’s Choir (BCC) has opened the door to an incredible opportunity for our students, exposing them to a world of inspiration and musical excellence. We extend our deepest gratitude to BCC and the Hestia Fund for their partnership and for making this possible,” commented Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta.
Seeing their families in the crowd was another important part of the experience for the students. CPS and BCC combined forces to offer transportation as well as two complimentary tickets for the families. A bus left the elementary complex in Chelsea at 3:00 to bring families into the city. When they arrived at Symphony Hall, families received their tickets and sat together creating a special Chelsea section to enjoy the concert. From their seats in the balcony, students smiled ear-to-ear when they saw their families walk into Symphony Hall.
These students participate in the after school program that is part of the partnership between CPS and BCC. The students meet every Thursday after school to sing, rehearse and learn choral practices. BCC sends instructors to Chelsea who teach the students right at the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex. These instructors are accompanied by CPS music teachers and other staff members who see the kids on a daily basis, creating an environment where the students are comfortable and focused on singing.