Jaziah almost missed the concert because she didn’t have a white shirt and Thaila sobbed uncontrollably because she couldn’t speak English.
But that was years ago.
This summer, Jaziah and Thaila who are now in third and fifth grade respectively, along with 9 other students from the El Sistema New Jersey Alliance (ESNJA), were poised and confident as they played in a virtual concert with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO).
While this event marks the next evolution of “Simple Gifts” co-composed by Maestro Robert butts and their very own teacher, Elijah Souels, we believe the true importance lies in the profile of those who came together to make this project possible.
First and foremost is the involvement of the NJSO, who have long utilized their collective musical prowess to cultivate the young classical musicians of New Jersey. Stepping beyond the masterclasses they run, these highly skilled musicians chose to take the virtual stage alongside these students, offering them a foyer into the professional classical music world. This is a world normally financially or culturally out of reach for many inner city children. However, it did not matter where they were born, their socioeconomic status, or how well they had yet mastered their instrument. For the moment, they were all part of the same orchestra playing the same piece.
“Bravi, Tutti!! I’m STILL crying tears of joy”, said Marshell Jones Kumahor, Vice President of NJSO’s Education and Community Engagement. Yes! Bravi Tutti!
