CHENNAI: Chennai Children’s Choir (CCC), an initiative by NalandaWay Foundation, an NGO, recently celebrated the graduation of the first batch of students from the choir, who are all set to pursue higher studies.
“These children have been a part of CCC from the time we had our first auditions two years ago. Several rehearsals and performances later, they are now leaving us to study further. We couldn’t be more proud,” smiled Uma Viswanathan, COO, Nalandaway. The choir was started in July 2015, and has almost 40 students from schools run by the government, corporation and trust.
Singer-cum-actress Andrea Jeremiah was the chief guest and was welcomed with the famous ‘Medley song’ performed by the choir, which went viral on social-networking sites and the media earlier in 2016.
Giving the students a standing ovation at the end of the performance, Andrea commented, “I am awestruck by this performance! When they sang ‘We are the World’, I went back to the days when I was part of a choir and sang the same song!”
Certificates and trophies were distributed for the graduating children, and a parent said, “We come from an economically poor background. I’ve never thought that my daughter would get such an opportunity… she’s not going to stop at this. Once she finishes her education, she’ll be back. For us, this is once in a life-time opportunity and I am glad her talent was recognised.”
Agreeing to the children's request to perform for them, Andrea grooved to a few of her hit numbers including ‘Idhu varai’, ‘who’s the hero’ and ‘Malai Neram’. “I am glad that I was part of this event. Children sing from their heart and their voices are untainted. I hope they continue singing and never stop,” she smiled.