On the heels of yet another sold-out crowd at SSCC’s Spring Concert, performed at Milton High School, SSCC reflects on its growth and how one former student is making a difference in this national and global-minded organization. Lyjah Torres-Reyes was there from SSCC’s inception back in 2016 and is set to grow in her role as Operations Manager. After a selective application process, Lyjah was placed and awarded a scholarship to the inaugural Choral Executive Leadership Academy, an intensive leadership development program for choral leaders May 31st-June 2nd in San Francisco, CA. The academy, run by Chorus America, educates leaders on nonprofit management and leadership, artistic considerations, and ADEI (access, diversity, equity, and inclusion). Lyjah is looking forward to learning the business side of building and growing a chorus, including fundraising and grants. The Board of Directors unanimously voted to augment the costs not covered by her scholarship simply because Lyjah is a living example of SSCC’s mission. 

‍

Kirsten Oberoi, Founder and Artistic Director of SSCC, expressed how excited she is for Lyjah to be in a cohort with so many notable professionals in the industry. “Lyjah is going to learn just by being in the orbit of these people. The fact that our organization is represented amongst these humans is incredible!”

‍

When Lyjah was asked what inspired her to move her career to SSCC, she explained: “I went to see a summer concert and fell in love all over again.” Parents and staff understand how much Lyjah is in love with SSCC as they witness her enthusiasm and dedication every rehearsal. “It warms my heart to see that we have so many kids and families that believe in what we do and continue to come back each year,” Lyjah explained. “SSCC is going to continue growing and reaching new heights. I don’t see us slowing down anytime soon and I am so grateful to be a part of this organization. It’s truly something special.” When asked about her daily responsibilities of handling the logistics of so many children, Lyjah expressed: “The most exciting part of my job is getting to know the kids and their stories. Getting to know every kid who walks through our door isn’t even a job to me.”

‍

The children Lyjah cares for had written about what they learned this calendar year. Diversity, inclusion, growth, expression, collaboration and joy were the main takeaways. Here are some of the organization’s favorite quotes:

‍

-“We can bring so much light and happiness through music.”

-“A group of people from different backgrounds can come together and create a safe and fun space.”

-“It’s easier to be your true self around others than it is to fit in.”

-“I learned how to love my voice and I grew to love patience.”

-“I learned that people are more willing to love each other than I thought before.”

‍

SSCC staff, students, board of directors and parents wish Lyjah best of luck in this new endeavor. 

‍

If you or someone you love would thrive in a joyful musical family like this, please contact us. SSCC offers rehearsals in four locations - Quincy, Hanover, Sharon and Bridgewater; 17 classes per week for over 170 students. No audition is required and financial assistance is offered if needed. To learn more about the SSCC, register for classes, or help support the SSCC mission, visit: www.sscchorus.org or contact: info@sscchorus.org.

‍

About the South Shore Children’s Chorus

The South Shore Children’s Chorus is headquartered in Quincy, MA, and has members representing 34 local towns including Avon, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Cohasset, Dedham, Duxbury, E. Bridgewater, Dorchester, Easton, Foxborough, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Milton, Needham, North Attleboro,Norton, Norwood, Pembroke, Plainville, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Rockland, Scituate, Sharon, Walpole, W. Bridgewater, Weymouth and Woonsocket.  SSCC has four rehearsal sites in Quincy, Hanover, Sharon, and Bridgewater. SSCC believes that the individual child is the priority, vocal music is the vessel by which we connect and inspire, and excellence is the byproduct of operating with a student-first philosophy. Since its founding in 2016, SSCC has been a hub for community arts engagement, and a safe space and loving community for young people to learn, to grow, and to find their unique voice. SSCC is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.

‍