RDLS Bilingual Choir to sing in upcoming event

Over the past two years, RDLS has revitalized its Spanish/English bilingual choir, a project initially launched during the 2017-18 school year, but temporarily halted due to the pandemic. Now, RDLS fifth graders are diligently preparing for their upcoming appearance as special guests at the Community Sing event in Minneapolis. Community Sing events are an opportunity to learn songs from each other, talk about where the music comes from and what the songs mean, and then sing them together.

“Each year, I work to provide my choir students with opportunities to demonstrate their growing musical skills in community performances, fostering cultural connections through bilingual songs,” explained RDLS choral teacher Kari Taylor. “Collaborating on the Community Sing event with Border CrosSing allows us to expand our musical abilities, connecting through shared songs and experiences.”

During after school rehearsals, students have had the privilege of learning from Border CrosSing performers and seasoned vocalists, enriching their musical journey with diverse perspectives. Students have also been working on a solo performance of “Cielito Lindo,” which will be performed at the upcoming Community Sing event, accompanied by RDLS teacher Juan Figeroa on the guitar! 

Border CrosSing performs a variety of songs from Latin America that are hundreds of years old and in different languages. They want to bring together communities and musicians who have been separated in the past through singing. They hope to make the cultural scene in the Twin Cities more welcoming to everyone.

Since the beginning of the bilingual choir, students have showcased their talents at venues such as Barnes and Noble at the Galleria in Edina, senior living communities, before the school board, and at the Mall of America.

This year's performances also included the RDLS Latin American festival in December, a heartwarming performance at The Pines Retirement Community in Richfield, and participation in the choral festival on February 29, along with a performance at the Empty Bowls fundraiser. Their final grand performance is slated for May 11 alongside Border CrosSing in Minneapolis – an event not to be missed! 

We extend a warm invitation to join us for an unforgettable evening of music and unity.