‘Really cool to be a part of that tradition’: Boston Children’s Chorus members talk about performing with the Boston Pops

BOSTON (WHDH) - They may be young, but their voices are powerful.

“We really feel the need to express our hope for our country and our vision for what we want for the country right now,” said singer Liana Min.

The Boston’s Children’s Chorus is practicing to perform alongside the Boston Pops for this year’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.

“I feel like I have to do my best so a lot of people can get the message of these songs,” said singer Binyam Tsegai.

Friday’s show will mark a triumphant return for the singing group.

In 2014, the chorus performed with the Pops at the Hatch Shell. It’s a moment many of the teens have been waiting for their whole lives.

“I’ve been in Boston since I was born, so it’s really cool to be a part of that tradition,” said Min.

“I’ve always watched the Boston Pops, and so knowing that I’m gonna be on that stage, like I’m gonna be a part of this big event that was like really exciting,” said Tsegai.

There’s no shortage of hard work that goes into preparing for an event like this, just ask their director.

“Oh, a lot,” said Boston Children’s Chorus Music Director, Kenneth Griffith. “Lots of time and effort from repertoire planning on the artistic end of things, to scheduling time for our singers… And to really nail down the specifics of every piece and not just the music but also the emotion behind it.”

Perhaps one of the most emotional pieces this group will perform is called “Sea to Shining Sea,” written by Falmouth native and Wellesley College graduate Katharine Lee Bates.

It’s a take on “America the Beautiful.”

Pops conductor Keith Lockhart says the message is from long ago, and still rings true today.

“Katharine Lee Bates was a fascinating person who saw a lot of the injustice and economic disparities of the gilded age and was brave enough to speak out about them,” Lockhart said. “There is a lot more to that song. There are verses that no one knows. So, we learn a bit more in this piece about the woman behind the words, and the meanings in the rest of the poem.”

The kids in the chorus admit they are a little star struck and can’t wait to share the stage with Broadway icon, Leslie Odom Jr.

“I’m a big ‘Hamilton’ fan, and when I found out we’d be performing with him, I was like, really excited,” said Tsegai.

“There were lots of screams, my mom sent me some very excited texts,” said Min. “All of us are so, so excited, and fan girling like crazy.”

Joy and excitement, they hope to share with all Americans celebrating this Independence Day.

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