Boston Children’s Chorus to Host Big Sing with Young Singers from Dorchester and Mattapan

Over 300 youth singers from six schools across Mattapan and Dorchester will come together to sing on June 18 at Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School

Boston, MA (June 13, 2024) —  Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) today announces Big Sing, a special performance featuring more than 300 youth singers from Mattapan and Dorchester in the grades second, third, and fourth on June 18 in Dorchester. The concert will bring together singers from five schools across the two Boston neighborhoods to perform with special guest artist Kennen Butler for a morning of joyful singing, celebration, and community.

The schools participating in the event are:

• Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School
• Mildred Avenue K-8 School
• Dr. Catherine Ellison/Rosa Parks Early Education School
• KIPP Academy Boston
• Mather Elementary School

Conducted by Robert McFletcher-Jones, Irene Idicheria, and Maggie Storm, this year’s concert is the culmination of a series of workshops at all six schools throughout the 2023-24 school year. Students participating in the program have met weekly to rehearse for four weeks, beginning in May. The concert will be the first time the more than 300 students perform all together.

Hosted the day before Juneteenth, students will sing songs of celebration rooted in African American tradition. Accompanied by a six-piece live band, students will sing traditional and contemporary justice songs in English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese in addition to featuring gospel and musical theater pieces as well.

“Big Sing creates an opportunity for students to express themselves openly through songs that are relevant to them,” said Robert McFletcher-Jones, In-School Programs Conductor, Boston Children’s Chorus. “Intentionally breaking barriers to access, every student has a free opportunity to develop their voice individually and collectively in a supportive environment that uplifts young people through the unifying power of music.”

“The benefits to students and families at each participating school through BCC’s Big Sing program are incredible,” said Valerie Martin, Music Educator, The Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School. “We are proud to be celebrating community through inclusionary music next to peers from Dorchester and Mattapan. This event will foster understanding, artistry, and a chance to equip our students with skillsets that will last their whole lives.”

BCC’s Big Sing concert will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on June 18 at Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School in Dorchester. Tickets are free, open to the public on a first-come first-served basis and can be reserved here.