CoroLAB
In 2017, Baltimore Choral Arts established CoroLAB, an educational partnership with Overlea High School, to amplify Baltimore County students’ awareness about art and life through participation in a professional singing environment beyond their high-school offerings. To participate in a big project outside their normal scope of reference can transform a young person, building their self-confidence and skills, and this interactive learning will instruct them in self-discipline, teamwork, vocal technique, and more. At Overlea High School, 58% of students receive free and reduced meals, and 15% receive special education. Choral Arts will provide all necessary transportation and other resources.
Choral Arts’ Music Director Anthony Blake Clark, in partnership with Baltimore County Public Schools Choir Director Kellie Zephir, have since expanded the program to also include Eastern Technical High School, and BCAS looks forward to the continued growth of this program to reach even more high school students.
Highlighted Activities:
2018: Sing Out Day
To kick off this collaboration, Choral Arts conducted a Sing Out Day workshop of vocal pedagogy for the students during Ms. Zephir’s 75-minute choir class at Overlea High School, led by Mr. Clark and Leo Wanenchak, our Associate Conductor. The group included members of the Baltimore Choral Arts Chamber Singers and Vocal Fellows, who sang alongside the students to build community and provide mentorship.
2018: Sing-Along Messiah at Goucher College
CoroLAB students were invited to attend and participate in a sing-along version of Handel's Messiah, with transportation provided. Ms. Zephir coached the students in a few of the movements from Handel’s oratorio in preparation for this collaborative rendition of Handel's holiday masterpiece.
2019: The Monster in the Maze, a contemporary piece for chorus and orchestra by U.K. composer Jonathan Dove
Choral Arts performed the U.S. premiere of this piece on May 12, 2019 at Goucher College, and select CoroLAB students were invited to perform alongside Choral Arts’ adult singers. This “community opera” was written to be performed by both youth and adults side-by-side, and this collaborative, multi-generational performance will included The Maryland State Boychoir, The Larks of the Junior League of Baltimore, The George Washington University Singers, the Choral Arts Orchestra, and Peabody Youth Orchestra. The Monster in the Maze describes the ancient legend of the Minotaur, his destruction by Theseus, and the triumphant liberation of Athenian youth, played by a combination of Vocal Fellows and CoroLAB students.
2023: Christmas with Choral Arts
CoroLAB students were invited to perform at the Baltimore Basilica as part of Choral Arts' annual Christmas concert, Christmas with Choral Arts. This concert has been an annual tradition in Baltimore for over 40 years, featuring lively singalongs, festive carols, and choral classics.
2024: Sacred Heritage
CoroLAB's newly expanded program, now including students from both Overlea and Eastern Tech high schools, was included in Choral Arts season opening concert, Sacred Heritage, on Sunday, November 3rd 2024 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. The students performed their own repertoire under the direction of Ms. Kellie Zephir, and combined with Choral Arts for a moving performance of See Me by Reena Esmail. To round out the concert, the CoroLAB students joined BCAS for "chorus angelorum," choir of angels, at the end of the final movement of the Duruflé Requiem.