The South Coast Children’s Chorus’ latest project is a music video of the song “A Million Dreams,” from the motion picture “The Greatest Showman.” A link to the video on YouTube can be found here youtu.be/20aZ86QyjOo.
Highlighting the singing talents of nineteen young singers ages 7-18 from throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, this project is as much about resilience as it is about making music. Director Tianxu Zhou noted how disconnected young people felt during the height of the pandemic, especially singers who could not make music in a choral setting. To reconnect the members of SCCC, from January-April he has hosted weekly Zoom sessions with a mix of private vocal coaching and discussion prompts.
A leadership team of high school students in the group facilitated the discussions that explored the communities, hopes, and dreams of each singer. Even the youngest singers articulated how they would change the world for the better in areas such as the environment, equal rights/social justice for all people, and spreading kindness. They researched the ‘big dreamers’ in their communities and discussed what they wanted to portray in the final video.
Veronica Bernier of Acushnet noted that, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to meet as we normally would have; it opened up so many new opportunities in which we could thrive creatively, and by being a part of this project, it felt like I was able to utilize my talents to the fullest. Since I’ve been a part of the choir for many years, when I look back on this video, I know that I will not only see dozens of close friends but also remember the amount of time and effort put into it behind the scenes.”
Avamarie Kazan of New Bedford reflected on the experience stating, “It was great fun. I had an awesome experience and I will always remember my friends.”
“I feel very accomplished that we were able to put together a special video during such trying times,” stated Lily Sorelle of Fairhaven.
Each singer learned and individually recorded their part that was compiled to make a virtual choir. The project culminated with on-location video shoots at nine different locations that inspired wonder and beauty. After Dr. Zhou edited the final video that included a real rainbow, all of the singers were invited to a virtual premiere party to view their accomplishment. The public premiere occurred at the Children’s Advocacy Network Spring Spectacular virtual gala on May 6 and was featured at other local virtual events including the May 13 AHA! Night.
SCCC singers for the Spring 2021 season include: Garrett Barreira, Veronica Bernier, Emma Dury, Katie Dury, Owen Flynn, Liam Iveson, Emma Jones, Avamarie Khazan, Margaux Poyant, Ellen Scarano, Lily Sorelle, Abigale Sprissler, Katie Sprissler, Lilliana Sprissler, Elliott Talley, Aidan Zhou, Emma Zhou,and, Sophie Zhou.
Katie Dury of Dartmouth remarked on her experience: “My favorite part of the video was getting back together with friends, and it was just really fun to do.” Her sister, Emma, who also participated in the project, added, “Now that the video is finished, I feel proud, and it’s just a really good video.”
Summing up the experience, Margaux Poyant of Fairhaven poetically offered, “Life is like a song; you may not have chosen the music playing, but you can still learn to dance to it.”
For more information, visit our website at www.singsouthcoast.org, or visit us on Facebook, southcoastchildrenschorus. Also contact us at SCCCsings@gmail.com.