In response to an ever-changing world and the volatile events of the last several months, choirs and communities around the country are leading an initiative to use singing as a medium for talking about, thinking about, and for the purpose of promoting peace across the planet. The Chattanooga Boys Choir is hosting an open community sing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, for the purpose of joining together interested persons who would like to come together for this common goal.
The choir will rehearse the piece Ukuthula – a South African freedom song about peace and strength in the face of adversity – with anyone who would like to arrive at 6 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church on Pine Street. There is no cost to participate.
Following 30-40 minutes of rehearsal of the piece with members of the choir, everyone present will make a video recording of the piece. The recording will be a reminder of the community’s efforts and will also be joined with others throughout the country participating in the AVoice4Peace initiative.
More information about the event, including recordings and sheet music of Ukuthula, can be found at www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org.
Chattanooga Boys Choir Artistic Director Vincent Oakes said, “I hope that such an effort will show how we have more in common – the love of making music and being in community – than there is different about us. Singing has provided the soundtrack to the history of struggle and the attainment of rights throughout the world for centuries, from spirituals to civil rights songs to songs of Apartheid. We hope to add to this in a substantive way through our songs.”