Voices of the Barrio

why it's important:

"Voices of the Barrio" has provided low-income, minority children from Barrio Logan the opportunity to explore voice through music. We meet every Friday and Saturday from 6:30PM-8:00PM to learn basic music skills and experiment with a variety of music songs including gospel music, opera and Christmas carols. As the director of the choir, I use my piano, voice and music reading skills to teach children how to learn these music pieces. My sister has supported me in buying some materials for the choir such as copies of songs, plastic coverings for the songs, binders and snacks for the children. The choir started with only 30 voices in September but in less than four months it has doubled to 66 voices. It has become more difficult to acquire materials for the new children and though I have organized a sharing system between the children, there is still much needed. The children are very interested in learning new music skills and in using their voices to contribute to community events. Despite the shortage of materials, the limited space and time available, these children have demonstrated their interest and dedication to continue their musical growth in “Voices of the Barrio.”

the plan of action:

My love for music, choir and children inspired me to begin a children’s choir with the purpose of brining life and happiness to community events. I asked the Pastor of my church if he would give me the opportunity to begin a children’s choir. I had already taken some music and choir classes at my School of Creative Performing Arts (SCPA) so I knew that I would be a suitable director. I began to spread the word in my church as well as at the Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) to motivate children to enroll in my classes. With help from my older sister, I launched the first series of choir studies in September and focused on setting up a routine during our sessions. Since then, I have taught the children 12 songs with dynamics and harmonies in place. The children’s choir participates in religious as well as secular events. For example, during this month of December the children will participate in the Barrio Station Children’s Christmas Party, held by members of the community as well as caroling in Balboa Park. I am not a professional teacher but I am able to maintain the children under control with a few simple silencing techniques. There is still a lot of help needed. “Voices of the Barrio” has come a long way from its starting point and it is important for us to continue to grow not only in quantity but also in quality.

how you can get involved:

Whiteboards, markers, CD/cassette players, binders, sheet protectors, staff sheets are only a few of the items needed to insure the success of this choir. Donations of these items as well as any books on music for children would be greatly appreciated by the director.

videos: