DRAPER, Utah — This holiday season is unlike any other for Utah’s One Voice Children’s Choir.
Usually, the choir performs for dozens of live audiences between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented large gatherings and has caused the cancellation of those traditional concerts.
“The biggest challenge is not performing for an audience,” said Jordan Nixon, a member of the choir for four years. “I think we thrive off that energy.”
The elimination of live concerts is not preventing the choir from sharing new music.
One Voice recently released five Christmas tracks.
Their cover of the song “The More You Give” was recorded in an untraditional way.
Each member of the choir recorded the song individually, at home. The children then sent their recordings to director Masa Fukuda.
He spent hours arranging the dozens of audio files into the seamless, finished product.
“It’s awesome what Masa can do,” Nixon said.
“The More You Give” is one of several tracks the choir has recorded virtually during the pandemic.
Collectively, the songs have garnered millions of views and listens on social media.
“Those numbers are so big, it doesn’t hit you until you hear the impact it makes on people,” said Acacia Ott, a member of the choir for four years.
Fukuda believes the work of the choir is a source of inspiration at a time when people need it the most.
“People were looking for healing and hope,” he said. “This is where they came, to hear the children sing.”
The choir is currently meeting virtually. Some members who recently joined have not yet met their senior counterparts.
They hope to return to in-person rehearsals and live performances once the pandemic is in the past.
Until then, the choir plans on fighting through challenges to share its gift of music with the rest of the world.
“It’s everything for us to be able to share our message,” Nixon said. “That’s what we live for as a choir.”
YouTube channel: One Voice Children's Choir
