Plenary Concert: boston children's chorus & Roomful of Teeth

        In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that this is my first conference like ACDA, and I had no idea what to expect at a concert. My first experience with the Boston Children’s Chorus was earlier today at a session where I was blown away by the musicianship that these students have acquired in this program. The students in the ensemble that performed tonight at Sander’s Hall at Harvard were beautifully expressive and I felt the emotion behind their music. As their director Dr. Anthony Trecek-King quoted at the beginning of the program, these young musicians were not only leaving a footprint at this historic venue but a “heart-print” as well. The program itself was clearly meaningful to so many people in the Hall by emphasizing many of the struggles of black Americans and the pieces and performances gave way to incredible expression, making a truly moving concert.
        The Roomful of Teeth performance was equally fascinating. The numerous techniques that these performers utilize in their performance open up a realm varied timbres and vocal qualities.
        One of the most moving pieces at this concert was comprised of both the Boston Children’s Chorus and Roomful of Teeth and composed and conducted by Dr. Brad Wells. Inspired by the life and recent death of Kalief Browder, this piece repeated short phrases describing young Browder’s years spent hungry in solitary confinement in Riker’s Prison. This structure of seemingly minimalistic text in comparison to a complex harmonies and polyphony made quite an impact in the room.
        Music such as the pieces that were performed at tonight’s concert is incredibly important to value. Dr. Trecek-King encouraged the audience to use music to create dialogues concerning important, current, and relevant issues. I know personally that I’ve already seen this starting to happen as a result of concerts and programming such as tonight’s and I hope that we as an educator, I can use this experience to fuel further change in my students and audiences.

​Alli Fay, '18

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