KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Some students studying music at Western Michigan University students are raising money this month for charitable organizations through singing.
An interactive project called “Choir for Good” involves virtual concerts and is an effort to give back while also giving students a meaningful experience during a time when normal concerts can’t be performed due to the pandemic.
Choir for Good – Courtesy Western Michigan University
“When the pandemic started, everybody wondered if choral music was still going to be possible. And a lot of choral conductors were afraid when the pandemic was finally past us, the music scene would have changed so much that choral music would never return to what it was. The title ‘Choir for Good’ is a bit of wordplay that choir is here for good. With everything that’s going on in our community, our country and our world, sometimes it almost felt indulgent to just enjoy making music. So I had the idea for this project that we focus on high-level musical performance, like we always do, but then analyze the text of the songs with an eye toward social justice and making connections in the community.” – Kimberly Dunn Adams, W.M.U. Director of Choral Activities speaking to W.M.U. News
It was an ambitious concept and organizers also had to clear several logistical hurdles. Adams divided her classes into eight smaller chamber ensembles to achieve social distancing. After that, the groups were assigned a different repertoire of music to research the composer, text, and historical context of each piece. Then they identified a social issue connected to the piece which included subjects like hunger, racism, LGBTQ+ equality, and access to clean water. Then through that, they found a non-profit organization to highlight through the singing.
The “Choir for Good” concert program continues until the end of March.
To watch some of the virtual concerts for the program, CLICK HERE.
To find links to donate to the various organizations involved, CLICK HERE.
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