All of these photos are from a project that I participate in annually known as UC Merced Presents Children's Opera. It is a community outreach program that reaches around 5000 kids annually in the central valley of California. Every year we present an entirely new opera with a plot written specifically for children with two goals in mind. First, to get the children onto a college campus and introduce them to the world of higher education. Second, to introduce them to music and the performing arts in an exciting and engaging way. I have been a part of the project for over six years now and it truly has been one of the most thrilling experiences as a performer.
I have always been a very musical person. I started singing as a child in the Sunshine Band at my family's church and I have not stopped since. It's simply something that I have always had a passion for. I remember in in elementary school, my school put on a musical called "Why Bees Buzz in People's Ears." It was my first time performing in front of an audience outside of my church. Now I don't remember much from elementary school because I attended too many schools to count, but I do remember the feeling of complete exhilaration as the audience of family, friends and teachers bursted in to an applause of encouragement and support after we finished performing. Since then I've been in many choirs and countless musical theater productions.
I had quite a tough growing up as a child and even into my teenage years. My family wasn't perfect, and most aren't, but because of the issues in my family I grew up bouncing back and forth between the custody of my mom and the foster care system. I attended countless elementary schools and just as many middle and junior high schools. Because of this I never got to build relationships or friendships as a child and I never really felt that I felt in. All of that changed when I joined choir my junior year of high school. Sounds cliché, but I knew immediately that it was where I belonged. Music was quite literally my light at the end of the tunnel as it helped me to escape my darknesses. It was the first time in a long time that I felt wanted, appreciated, valued and respected and I hope to someday be able to pay that forward.
Music embodies emotions and ideas, communicating powerfully in a way that transcends words. I am grateful for my early exposure to music both in the home and outside, through listening, education, and lessons. Thank you for sharing your story of music.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, are you performing at UC Merced this summer, and if so, what opera?
Erin
Hi Uriah, I admire your dedication to the opera and wanting to help children succeed through higher education and music. I think it is fantastic that you are involved in this community outreach program. I have never done anything like that and wish I could have the opportunity to do so one day. Although probably not in the form of an opera as I'm terrible at music and I get stage fright. I am more suited for a behind the scenes person role whether its in opera or any other type of organization that helps children and adults.
ReplyDeleteIt really does suck feeling like you don't belong. I'm sure almost everyone has felt this or will at some point in their lives. I'm glad that the choir helped you feel so much better. Continue to do you!
-Robin Shamon
Hi Uriah,
ReplyDeleteI totally feel you on the cliche choir friends! I'm not in anything music related anymore but I played piano, sang, and danced back in the day. I definitely miss it, I hope you're having a blast performing! I also wanted to say I'm sorry you had to go through that as a kid. I hope you've been able to build up at least a little bit of a "chosen family" in college. I basically have something like that with some friends and it really helps
-Julia