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www.sosinspires.org
Overview:
SONGS OF SOLOMON: An Inspirational Ensemble (SOS), founded in 2001 by veteran conductor, Pastor Chantel Renee Wright, remains true to its mission to serve the world community through its music. Professor Wright (NYU) is a firm believer that arts education stimulates children spiritually and intellectually and builds the family through its commitment to a child’s development. The Ensembles membership originates from the Tri-State area bridging all ethnicities. They have focused diligently on being a safe haven for all young people to flourish. For the past four years 100% of our membership has entered college and 50% are now pursing advanced degrees in the arts.
Now as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, The Ensemble has been featured on the 2014 Tony Awards, The first Lip Sync Battle with Jimmy Fallon, the Early Show on CBS, winners of the 1st place prize in the McDonald's Gospelfest and Pathmark Gospel Choir Competitions, shared the stage with American Idol Kelly Clarkson and on the NBC 4th of July celebration, and served for five years at the US Tennis Open. The Ensemble has toured the East Coast, Florida, Wisconsin, Chicago, Atlanta, Texas, Detroit, Utah, Vegas, and Canada and Bermuda and was recently featured at the Harare International Festival of the Arts, in Zimbabwe. 2003 lead the organization from Queens to Harlem where the Ensemble held its debut concert at Aaron Davis Hall featuring Recording artists, Twinkie Clark, Lorraine Stancil, and Melonie Daniels. The Ensemble has performed with Elton John at Radio City Music Hall, sang with opera's great, Jessye Norman at the Greenbrier Country Club and performed with American Idol, Fantasia Barrio for their second appearance on the NBC, Macy's 4th of July Celebration, but most of all, the choir is committed to spread the Good News. Being totally committed to youth and their spiritual, intellectual and artistic growth, Pastor Wright knew the only way to shape a generation of spirited, world class musicians would be to work in conjunction with the education system, thus implementing the SONGS OF SOLOMON ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS which directly serves New York City students in instrumental and vocal music. Students too far to number from the tri- state area have had performance opportunities that rival professional artist around the world. The Ensemble has worked tirelessly over the past Fifteen years under Professor Wright's baton and has garnered national and international acclaim. Today the Ensemble finds itself as a mainstay at the world famous Carnegie Hall since they were chosen to participate in the Honor Choral Music Festival conducted by Dr. Craig Jessop and curated by Jessye Norman. They have performed the opera "Dialogues of the Carmelites" to Verdi's "Requiem" and yet finds a way to sing any audience into a place of peace. VARIATIONS OF THE WAR CRY can be found on ITunes, CD Baby and Amazon, a recording guaranteed to bring joy to the hearts of all. The Songs of Solomon is moving in a broader direction as a Choral Union within the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses/Thomas Dorsey Convention and with the implementation of two new programs will ensure that Children from all walks of life have access to world class training. The Hope Chorale is designed for young people who are in correctional facilities all across the country. Redemption through music is the goal. There has been a void in the Harlem community for several years, and Songs of Solomon in conjunction with the NYC Department of Education has launched the Harlem Children’s Choir. This season will culminate with a star studded concert at Carnegie Hall to celebrate fifteen years of musical excellence.
Objective:
Establishing the programs that will serve the next generations:
The Hope Chorale (Music program for Juviniel Detention Systems)
Renowned Choir Director, Pastor Chantel R. Wright seeks to affect change in the lives of New York City’s detained youth by spearheading an effective and well-received music program focused on bringing reform to juvenile detention centers through music. As Founder and Director of the non-profit organization Songs of Solomon Academy for the Arts, Pastor Wright has been tapped to implement a trial choral program — The Sounds of Hope Chorale; which will run from November 2016 through April 2017 at New York’s Rikers Island and Horizon detention center in Brooklyn.
The program’s aim is to foster creativity and music appreciation while creating a safe haven for detained youth in an environment free of prejudice and judgment. Up to 50 participants will be encouraged to participate in the program after being selected by the facility’s staff and will develop vocal skills through a structured method of instruction. Participants will learn goal-setting and team-building techniques through activities that enhance self-confidence and self-esteem and offer an opportunity for participants to positively interact with peers and adults. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will find the correlation between the musical creative process and citizenship in the outside community. The eight-session program will culminate with a final concert performance featuring musical selections that were curated and learned throughout the program.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the launch The Sounds of Hope Chorale program, because it is not just about giving a group of kids who made mistakes an opportunity to put on a show,” says Pastor Wright. “It’s about striving for excellence and learning how to achieve excellence through music appreciation. It’s about these kids recognizing that if you work hard, your hard work results in excellence.”
The Sounds of Hope Chorale is an extension of songwriting and choral workshops Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute has supported in New York City’s two secure detention facilities since 2009. Drawing on strength-based approaches to juvenile justice, major city and states are rethinking the current system and seeking reform. The Strength-based approach refers to how the years between 12 and 24 can be a time when young people realize their talents and cultivate their ability to empathize with others if they experience positive connections and engagement in tasks related to community leadership and adult responsibilities. Arts programs have a long history in justice systems as tools in rehabilitation based on the premise that the arts can play an important part in changing individual, institutional, and social circumstances which sponsor criminal behavior.
In the 2012–2013 season the Carnegie Hall choral workshops expanded, becoming a 12-session, two-week choral project that was open on a voluntary basis to as many as 25–30 participants at each facility. Pastor Wright, the artistic leader of both residencies, was assisted by six of the senior members of her Harlem-based Songs of Solomon choir — a collective of young New Yorkers from neighborhoods and backgrounds similar to those of the residents. Research conducted in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in collaboration with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services shows compelling preliminary evidence the role ensemble music-making can play in creating environments where positive behavioral change is possible, safe, and attractive for young people. With more than two million youth in US juvenile corrections, the system has lifelong negative consequences for young people even beyond reoffending, such as school failure and unemployment, particularly for poor and minority youth from resource-poor communities. As is, the system multiplies pre-existing vulnerabilities and erodes chances to thrive, hence the reason many states and cities are seeking programs such as The Sounds of Hope Chorale to reform their juvenile justice systems in ways that focus on more positive approaches and thus, outcomes.
At the conclusion of The Sounds of Hope Chorale pilot program at Rikers Island and Horizon detention center in Brooklyn, plans are being discussed to roll the program out nationally. The Sounds of Hope Chorale is a division of the non-profit, The Songs of Solomon: An Inspirational Ensemble, Inc. which was established by Pastor Wright in 2001 as a 501(3)c.
100 voice Harlem Children’s Choir
The Harlem Children’s Choir will give student’s grades 2 –6 the opportunity to be a part of a world class organization. We endeavor to provide a safe space for young singers to grow as artists and people. Moreover, the exposure to the rigors of performance translates for many into lifelong careers in the arts.
Goals:
Various repertoires from all musical genres
Stage deportment
Performance discipline
Healthy vocal tone production
Breath control
Music theory
Sight singing
Interpersonal relationship skills development
Movement and choreography
Increase the musical capacity of each school
HCC to perform at world class venues
A greater awareness of choral music in the Harlem Community
A platform to showcase Harlem’s talent throughout the city of New York and beyond
Overview:
Harlem has a strong history of arts and culture. The Harlem Children’s Choir (HCC) proposes to establish a pilot program within five (5) schools in the NYC DOE. Within each pilot school we will foster a culture of excellence in performance for grades K-5. The HCC will begin in 2016. In addition:
We will have weekly rehearsals with additional rehearsals prior to performances
The faculty and musicians are highly trained teaching artists and choral music instructors
Students will be auditioned to determine their ability to match pitch and follow directions.
Students will be afforded the opportunity to perform in varied venues.
Overview:
SONGS OF SOLOMON: An Inspirational Ensemble (SOS), founded in 2001 by veteran conductor, Pastor Chantel Renee Wright, remains true to its mission to serve the world community through its music. Professor Wright (NYU) is a firm believer that arts education stimulates children spiritually and intellectually and builds the family through its commitment to a child’s development. The Ensembles membership originates from the Tri-State area bridging all ethnicities. They have focused diligently on being a safe haven for all young people to flourish. For the past four years 100% of our membership has entered college and 50% are now pursing advanced degrees in the arts.
Now as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, The Ensemble has been featured on the 2014 Tony Awards, The first Lip Sync Battle with Jimmy Fallon, the Early Show on CBS, winners of the 1st place prize in the McDonald's Gospelfest and Pathmark Gospel Choir Competitions, shared the stage with American Idol Kelly Clarkson and on the NBC 4th of July celebration, and served for five years at the US Tennis Open. The Ensemble has toured the East Coast, Florida, Wisconsin, Chicago, Atlanta, Texas, Detroit, Utah, Vegas, and Canada and Bermuda and was recently featured at the Harare International Festival of the Arts, in Zimbabwe. 2003 lead the organization from Queens to Harlem where the Ensemble held its debut concert at Aaron Davis Hall featuring Recording artists, Twinkie Clark, Lorraine Stancil, and Melonie Daniels. The Ensemble has performed with Elton John at Radio City Music Hall, sang with opera's great, Jessye Norman at the Greenbrier Country Club and performed with American Idol, Fantasia Barrio for their second appearance on the NBC, Macy's 4th of July Celebration, but most of all, the choir is committed to spread the Good News. Being totally committed to youth and their spiritual, intellectual and artistic growth, Pastor Wright knew the only way to shape a generation of spirited, world class musicians would be to work in conjunction with the education system, thus implementing the SONGS OF SOLOMON ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS which directly serves New York City students in instrumental and vocal music. Students too far to number from the tri- state area have had performance opportunities that rival professional artist around the world. The Ensemble has worked tirelessly over the past Fifteen years under Professor Wright's baton and has garnered national and international acclaim. Today the Ensemble finds itself as a mainstay at the world famous Carnegie Hall since they were chosen to participate in the Honor Choral Music Festival conducted by Dr. Craig Jessop and curated by Jessye Norman. They have performed the opera "Dialogues of the Carmelites" to Verdi's "Requiem" and yet finds a way to sing any audience into a place of peace. VARIATIONS OF THE WAR CRY can be found on ITunes, CD Baby and Amazon, a recording guaranteed to bring joy to the hearts of all. The Songs of Solomon is moving in a broader direction as a Choral Union within the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses/Thomas Dorsey Convention and with the implementation of two new programs will ensure that Children from all walks of life have access to world class training. The Hope Chorale is designed for young people who are in correctional facilities all across the country. Redemption through music is the goal. There has been a void in the Harlem community for several years, and Songs of Solomon in conjunction with the NYC Department of Education has launched the Harlem Children’s Choir. This season will culminate with a star studded concert at Carnegie Hall to celebrate fifteen years of musical excellence.
Objective:
Establishing the programs that will serve the next generations:
The Hope Chorale (Music program for Juviniel Detention Systems)
Renowned Choir Director, Pastor Chantel R. Wright seeks to affect change in the lives of New York City’s detained youth by spearheading an effective and well-received music program focused on bringing reform to juvenile detention centers through music. As Founder and Director of the non-profit organization Songs of Solomon Academy for the Arts, Pastor Wright has been tapped to implement a trial choral program — The Sounds of Hope Chorale; which will run from November 2016 through April 2017 at New York’s Rikers Island and Horizon detention center in Brooklyn.
The program’s aim is to foster creativity and music appreciation while creating a safe haven for detained youth in an environment free of prejudice and judgment. Up to 50 participants will be encouraged to participate in the program after being selected by the facility’s staff and will develop vocal skills through a structured method of instruction. Participants will learn goal-setting and team-building techniques through activities that enhance self-confidence and self-esteem and offer an opportunity for participants to positively interact with peers and adults. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will find the correlation between the musical creative process and citizenship in the outside community. The eight-session program will culminate with a final concert performance featuring musical selections that were curated and learned throughout the program.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the launch The Sounds of Hope Chorale program, because it is not just about giving a group of kids who made mistakes an opportunity to put on a show,” says Pastor Wright. “It’s about striving for excellence and learning how to achieve excellence through music appreciation. It’s about these kids recognizing that if you work hard, your hard work results in excellence.”
The Sounds of Hope Chorale is an extension of songwriting and choral workshops Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute has supported in New York City’s two secure detention facilities since 2009. Drawing on strength-based approaches to juvenile justice, major city and states are rethinking the current system and seeking reform. The Strength-based approach refers to how the years between 12 and 24 can be a time when young people realize their talents and cultivate their ability to empathize with others if they experience positive connections and engagement in tasks related to community leadership and adult responsibilities. Arts programs have a long history in justice systems as tools in rehabilitation based on the premise that the arts can play an important part in changing individual, institutional, and social circumstances which sponsor criminal behavior.
In the 2012–2013 season the Carnegie Hall choral workshops expanded, becoming a 12-session, two-week choral project that was open on a voluntary basis to as many as 25–30 participants at each facility. Pastor Wright, the artistic leader of both residencies, was assisted by six of the senior members of her Harlem-based Songs of Solomon choir — a collective of young New Yorkers from neighborhoods and backgrounds similar to those of the residents. Research conducted in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in collaboration with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services shows compelling preliminary evidence the role ensemble music-making can play in creating environments where positive behavioral change is possible, safe, and attractive for young people. With more than two million youth in US juvenile corrections, the system has lifelong negative consequences for young people even beyond reoffending, such as school failure and unemployment, particularly for poor and minority youth from resource-poor communities. As is, the system multiplies pre-existing vulnerabilities and erodes chances to thrive, hence the reason many states and cities are seeking programs such as The Sounds of Hope Chorale to reform their juvenile justice systems in ways that focus on more positive approaches and thus, outcomes.
At the conclusion of The Sounds of Hope Chorale pilot program at Rikers Island and Horizon detention center in Brooklyn, plans are being discussed to roll the program out nationally. The Sounds of Hope Chorale is a division of the non-profit, The Songs of Solomon: An Inspirational Ensemble, Inc. which was established by Pastor Wright in 2001 as a 501(3)c.
100 voice Harlem Children’s Choir
The Harlem Children’s Choir will give student’s grades 2 –6 the opportunity to be a part of a world class organization. We endeavor to provide a safe space for young singers to grow as artists and people. Moreover, the exposure to the rigors of performance translates for many into lifelong careers in the arts.
Goals:
Various repertoires from all musical genres
Stage deportment
Performance discipline
Healthy vocal tone production
Breath control
Music theory
Sight singing
Interpersonal relationship skills development
Movement and choreography
Increase the musical capacity of each school
HCC to perform at world class venues
A greater awareness of choral music in the Harlem Community
A platform to showcase Harlem’s talent throughout the city of New York and beyond
Overview:
Harlem has a strong history of arts and culture. The Harlem Children’s Choir (HCC) proposes to establish a pilot program within five (5) schools in the NYC DOE. Within each pilot school we will foster a culture of excellence in performance for grades K-5. The HCC will begin in 2016. In addition:
We will have weekly rehearsals with additional rehearsals prior to performances
The faculty and musicians are highly trained teaching artists and choral music instructors
Students will be auditioned to determine their ability to match pitch and follow directions.
Students will be afforded the opportunity to perform in varied venues.