The events in Ukraine have not gone unnoticed by young people around the world, or by students at Churchville-Chili Middle School. Choir members in vocal music teacher Elise Camp’s seventh- and eighth-grade choral groups have had serious conversations about the conflict. It was initially difficult for them to relate to something so horrible, and they were frustrated that there seemed to be no way to help. “We decided as a musical ensemble to take the time to step away from ourselves and try to do something in support of the people of Ukraine,” said Camp. “We realized that we can use music to connect and show solidarity and support.”
The two choirs chose the traditional choral tribute, “Prayer for Ukraine” and each group learned the hymn separately, in Ukrainian. They came together, more than 100 members strong, on March 18 to sing for Ukraine: “Bless us with freedom, bless us with wisdom; Guide us into a kinder world.”
Student Luciano Bruno said, “We asked: ‘What can we do? We aren’t in charge.’ But we can still come together. As part of the world. We’re all singing the same song, all over the world. Singing of peace.”
“It’s true, we can’t do a lot,” said eighth-grader Lydia Eddy. “But we can do this. I think this has helped us come together as a class and relate to what other students and families like us in Ukraine and other places are going through.”
“We’re gaining a new perspective on a different culture; making connections,” said choir member Sloane Miller. “We’re all brothers and sisters. We’re part of the world community.”
Students learned the hymn in just three days, with the help of fellow student, seventh-grader Mark Ulyanchuk, who is fluent in the language and guided them in the correct pronunciation. Ulyanchuk’s family is Ukrainian. He said, “It was good to be part of this and to see my friends and classmates work so hard to learn about my culture and support Ukraine.”
Student Taylor Stocks said, “I think we’ve become more mindful of what’s happening outside of our own lives. I feel like this experience is helping to create a sense of selflessness in me.”
“These kids are incredible in so many ways and I couldn’t possibly be prouder of them,” said Camp. “They took on the challenge of learning a language that was incredibly foreign to them and did so with the utmost care, maturity, respect, and reverence.”
The performance was recorded and posted to the school’s Fine Arts Twitter account at https://twitter.com/i/status/1505908657648803845.
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