As their teacher, it is such a joy to see all of my singers’ personalities come out on stage, and to witness the confidence they built through this experience. One group of talented 6th grade boys stole the show with Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, complete with moonwalking. Two older boys worked the stage and showed off tight harmonies in a classic Boyz II Men song. Our dedicated voice coaches, Alex Taite and Leila Motaei, and our pianist Matt Bourne, did incredible work helping each group prepare.

My favorite moment was when one of our younger, shyer singers took the stage with confidence for all to see. During rehearsals, she can be reluctant to answer questions or speak up. But there she was on stage, singing beautifully on her own, right into the microphone. Having the opportunity to develop her voice through Nova and our voice coaches means that she can now visualize new possibilities for herself. Although she might not have seen herself as a leader before, now she understands that she has something valuable to contribute. After the recital, her mother hugged me so tightly, feeling so proud of her daughter and grateful that she had this outlet to share her talent. 

Stevie Wonder’s song opens with these lyrics: “Music is a world within itself / With a language we all understand. / With an equal opportunity / For all to sing, dance and clap their hands.” It’s true that musical talent is spread equally among us, but opportunity is not. Many of our students would not have the chance to develop their voices in this way without Cantare’s tuition-free program. This life-changing experience will help our students grow into leaders who believe in their voices and who sing and speak out more confidently, in choir and in the rest of their lives.

I am so grateful that Cantare makes this investment in our young singers, and I am thankful to each one of you for making these opportunities possible through your support. Nova is performing a free concert at Grace Presbyterian Church in Walnut Creek on Saturday March 22 at 3 pm. I encourage you to join us. Their joy and infectious energy will make you “feel it all over!” 

Julie Haydon

Director of Children's & Youth Choirs

Honor Someone Special

This concert recognizes the joys and struggles of change. Publicly honor someone who changed YOUR life: with $250, include an honoree's name and a short message in the printed concert program. These dollars support our instrumentalists!

DEADLINE: SUNDAY, MARCH 30