Uniting Kids Through Multicultural Music

This past year has been a whirlwind of opportunity. I joined a very unique choir that helps expose children 4-18 to countless different cultures through music. When you are in the choir long enough, you will learn to sing in over 20 different languages!

I am a senior, graduating this year, but I have had the privilege of helping to teach our younger children many different songs in varying languages such as Russian, Aramaic, Latin, and Cherokee; I teach them how to sing together in different tones to create different styles of music; I teach Ionian (do-do) and Aeolian (la-la) solfege. I'm also a section leader for our older levels and I hope to return as an alumnus of the choir this coming fall!

In May 2024, I realized that I had a rare chance to travel with my choir to experience firsthand the culture of Croatia. I will be fully immersed in an environment of music and tradition. While in Croatia, I will learn a very important and culturally significant form of a capella singing called Klapa which means "Group of Friends". Klapa is a multipart singing tradition native to the southern Croatian regions of Dalmatia.

As I learn the music of Croatia, I will be able to connect with citizens through their language and songs. Traveling to Croatia will enable me to be able to widen my horizons, experience different cultures, and build my character. With all that I learn in Croatia, I am eager to bring what I learn back to the children in my choir to help them become inspired to explore the world.

Your donation would help me get to Croatia to experience all of these enriching opportunities! If you can't donate, please consider sharing my story.