The Music Unites Youth Choir was given the opportunity this past week through New York charity Music Unites to visit Tainted Blue Recording Studio in Times Square, which has seen such superstar recording artists as Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Paul McCartney, Coldplay and more. The children were able to do more than just see the inside of a real studio, but learned how the process works by recording an original composition they wrote collaboratively over the course of the program called, "Different Voices, Same Song."
Composed of students from area schools in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, the Music Unites Youth Choir has accomplished a lot since its inception last fall with performances around New York City in some of the most prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall. As the 47 members ready themselves for summer break, many are looking back with pride and forward to the year ahead.
Founded in partnership with The Young Audiences of New York, the Music Unites Youth Choir meets each week to practice and study songs in all musical styles including R&B, gospel and classical, as well as rehearse their own original pieces. This free after-school program allows students to develop their musical, vocal and performance skills under the guidance of professional vocalists, musicians and theater artists. They also receive special instruction from Music Unites artists such as John Forte and Jaicko, who have visited and mentored the students.
Taking what they've learned to the public and performing at various venues throughout the city, the choir's debut took place early March at Carnegie Hall for a Tribute to The Who. Donning Music Unites tee-shirts designed by actor David Arquette, the Music Unites Youth Choir stole the spotlight by opening the show with their rendition of Tommy's Overture and were honored to share the stage with an all-star roster of artists including Patti Smith, Bobby McFerrin, Sondre Lerche, The Postelles, Bettye La Vette, and Gaslight Anthem to name a few. The choir also recently held its inaugural solo concert on May 13th to a room full of supporters at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
The Music Unites Youth Choir is the first major philanthropic focus for Music Unites which is dedicated to bringing music education to underprivileged children in underfunded inner city school systems.
By Mara Siegler