By Jane Ramseyer Miller, One Voice Mixed Chorus

Start with the arts, particularly music. Music is one of our first experiences in the womb.  And it’s one of the last memories we retain as we age.  It is an equalizer and universally accessible, even if only to help keep the beat.

Add a fun weekend of safe, independent fun.  There is nothing like a choir retreat to help everyone in the One Voice community – singers, volunteers and family members – strengthen their ties to each other and the One Voice mission.

Give them a stick to pound!  Melanie Demore, vocal activist, brought the Gullah stick pounding tradition to One Voice Mixed Chorus for their spring concert InsideOUT!  In March, the chorus held a weekend retreat in Wisconsin with Melanie during which a number of One Voice kids worked with Melanie and decorated their own sticks.  We were surprised and proud when our son was invited onstage during our concert at UW-River Falls to join Melanie in leading the chorus and audience in some rousing stick pounding.

Our family has been part of the One Voice Mixed Chorus community for a long time.  One Voice is our family in the Twin Cities, and has helped raise our two children, Will and Natasha.  Each season, Will and Natasha have an opportunity to participate in chorus events along with the other One Voice kids, and they always have fun helping us build community and create social change through beautiful music and powerful programming.

Scott Burglechner and Britt Abel