The lab was facilitated by Raise Your Voice Labs, a creative cultural transformation company co-founded by CCW alumnus Micah Hendler and singer-songwriter Austin Willacy. DCPS teachers were asked to nominate fifth grade students to participate in an all-day, in-person workshop experience hosted at Planet Word and facilitated by Austin and co-facilitator Sarah Brajtbord. Students participated in games and activities that unlocked their creativity, focused on listening and awareness, and culminated in creating a Community Tree that represented their dreams for their different communities and the broader collective DC community.

The ideas generated in the lab were then used as source material for a brand-new song that became this year’s 2023 DCPS Honor Chorus anthem: “Bold and Bright” written by Austin and Sarah.

In January, classroom music teachers were invited to nominate additional students in grades 4-6 to participate in the rehearsal and performance portion of the program, which is offered free of charge for the teachers, schools, and students. These dedicated educators commit to assisting their students in preparing for the event by teaching the music and ensuring it is memorized and performance-ready. The teachers do not receive any additional compensation for participating; they simply want to offer their students enriching opportunities. We are grateful for their generosity and support!

This year, we received over 150 nominations from 20 schools across all eight DC wards.

In March, CCW’s artistic director Margaret Nomura Clark presented the four selected songs at the DCPS professional development day. Teachers had a chance to hear the repertoire, sing through it, and receive additional information about the performance day.

Ultimately, 100 singers from 14 schools across seven of the eight DC wards participated in the rehearsal and performance day on May 5. We convened at THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) in SE DC’s ward eight. Students and teachers were bussed from their schools and began the day with sectionals followed by full company rehearsals of the four songs. After a break for lunch and school photos wearing their Honor Chorus logo tees, filming began.