Savannah Morning News - March 2011

The Savannah Children's Choir to hold the 5th Anniversary Artists in Residence program and Gala Concert

Artists in Residence, students to perform

It all started over coffee at church five years ago. Cuffy Sullivan, the mother of three young daughters, and Roger Moss, an accomplished local singer, lamented the fact that Savannah didn't have an organized choral program for children.

"We both realized that we could sit and complain for 20 years or we could do something about it," Sullivan said. "It was a fortuitous meeting, and it just exploded right then and there."

Together, the duo organized a choral summer camp which quickly attracted 53 children. A few weeks later, 100 local kids auditioned to be part of the new Savannah Children's Choir.

"We knew we were really on to something to have that kind of a response," said Sullivan, who now serves as the executive director of the Savannah Children's Choir. "The Savannah Children's Choir is one of the few organizations in our community where kids from different schools, different faiths and different backgrounds can get to know one another. That really makes us special."

Since then, the Savannah Children's Choir has developed a reputation for excellence in the city and beyond. The choir has performed in England and appeared on television in South Korea, and enjoyed artist residencies by vocalist Esperanza Spalding, who recently won a Grammy Award for best new artist, and Metropolitan Opera star Keith Miller.

The choir will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a special Gala Concert, featuring Miller and Memphis Opera mezzo-soprano Rachel Waiters, also a returning resident artist, tenor Darion Clonts from Morehouse College and the MusicAlive! ensemble. The performance will feature solos and arias by Miller and Waiters, as well as selections from John Rutter's "Mass of the Children." The concert will be held Tuesday at the Lucas Theatre.

Hard work

"It's going to be an amazing concert," said Moss, co-founder and artistic director. "These children have worked so hard. They deserve a full audience."

Every Monday after school, 64 area children ranging from second grade through eighth grade gather to rehearse, read music, work on their vocal intonation and develop important life skills. They ramp up their rehearsal schedule for special concerts and performances, devoting countless hours to the pursuit of perfection.

"It takes quite a commitment," said Moss said. "They learn the benefit of hard work. I expect great things from these children. I couldn't be more proud and humbled at the same time."

Passing on the torch

One of the highlights of the gala concert will be the premiere of a newly-commissioned work, "Songs of Creation" by local composer Eric Jones. Based on the work of Harlem Renaissance poet James Weldon Johnson, "Songs of Creation" will be performed live by the Savannah Children's Choir, the visiting artists in residence and the Savannah Arts Academy Chorus and Orchestra.

"This is going to be a truly world-class concert featuring talented artists and original music," Sullivan said. "It's a fantastic opportunity."

While in Savannah, Miller and Waiters will conduct 24 guest lectures, recitals and master classes in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

Miller, a former professional football player who now sings with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, has been particularly impressed by the Savannah Children's Choir. He originally joined the organization as an artist in residence in 2009.

"They have such amazing energy," he said. "They're great musicians, they're eager to learn and they enjoy what they're doing. They're so talented and are fortunate to have a great program and a supportive community."

Miller has inspired countless children in Savannah with his irrepressible passion for music. The only opera singer in the world who was once a star fullback, Miller particularly enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for the arts with groups like the Savannah Children's Choir.

"It's important to pass on the torch of creativity and artistic interpretation," he said. "It's important to encourage young artists to flourish."

The future

When Moss looks ahead to the next five years, he sees great things for the Savannah Children's Choir.

"We want to expand children's knowledge of American music, from Gullah to Appalachia to jazz, focusing on all of these forms that are distinctly American. It's not just about learning the music. It's about knowing where the music comes from," he said.

In May, the choir will perform at Children's Miracle Network hospitals in Jacksonville and Orlando, bringing joy to critically ill kids. The choir also plans to travel to Verona, Italy in April 2012 to participate in an international choral festival and competition.

Children who want to join the choir must attend Summer Choral Camp, scheduled for July 18-29 at Calvary Day School. Children must be rising 2nd-8th-graders. A Mini-Choral Camp is available for children ages 4-7.

Moss believes that singing serves as an important way to communicate, to connect with others and to express emotion.

"We were born singing," he said. "Children love to sing and hum and make up songs. This is one thing that's innate and universal in all children."