After 22 years of leading a celebrated afterschool choir, James Backmon had a startling realization—the choir has something to offer to the new middle schools opening in East Harlem. "The in-school program initiative permits NABGC to support the East Harlem community in new ways," said Mr. Backmon.
Most of these new middle schools do not have choir programs, despite the low cost and resources compared to instrumental programs. Mr. Backmon decided that his neighborhood schools might desire his expertise and experience with building choirs among this specific population. "At the Renaissance School of the Arts we will reach 70 students this year. The school will have over 200 middle school students when it reaches full strength, and each one of those students will have contact with the choir."
Motivated students from RSA are invited to audition for the afterschool NABGC program hosted at their own school twice a week. In the afterschool choir, the children receive vocal and musicianship training, with tutoring and homework help. By being exposed to the higher expectations and caliber of the afterschool program they are given more opportunities for high-profile public performances and varied cultural experiences.
"We are already replicating the in-school program at other East Harlem schools," says Backmon. Another choir was formed this fall at Esperanza Preparatory Academy, a new middle school at East 109th Street and Second Avenue. "We are helping the principals in the new middle schools enhance their arts offerings and the school image by building a cultural bridge into the community." Esperanza principal Alexandra Estrella says, "The New Amsterdam Boys and Girls Choir upholds the same high standards that we expect at Esperanza." The choir at Esperanza differs from RSA as it is a voluntary class that meets twice a week during school hours. Esperanza will have an afterschool NABG Choir chapter soon.
"Today's children deserve access to the same gift I was fortunate to receive growing up here," says Backmon. "I am grateful for the many years I have been blessed to give something back." Backmon noted that for over twenty years the NABGC afterschool choir has offered new possibilities and opened doors for many of its alumni. "With the in-school choirs we have an opportunity to interest more children in the afterschool program and in the disciplines and rewards of the arts in general."
If you are interested in learning more about the Renaissance School of the Arts, Ms. Pate-Spears may be contacted at (718) 935-3601 or \n
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See the website for Esperanza Preparatory Academy. Principal Alexandra Estrella may be reached at (718) 834-6734 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
