Past members of the Philadelphia-based nonprofit provided backing vocals for Demi Lovato’s performance of “Lovely Day.”
Philadelphia, (January 21, 2021) – The 2021 Presidential Inauguration festivities included performances by Commonwealth Youthchoirs’ alumni, family and friends who recorded backing vocals for Demi Lovato singing “Lovely Day.” Singers filmed themselves at various landmarks around the country and submitted their entries to Inaugural producers.
Commonwealth Youthchoirs is a non-denominational, non-partisan organization that has been featured on the national stage multiple times in its 20-year history, having performed for Pope Francis upon his visit to Philadelphia in 2016, on Good Morning America in 2018 and just last year singing the National Anthem for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and appearing on The Today Show Christmas morning.
Much like CY’s DNC performance, Singers and staff had no idea who would be featured in the final product until it aired live on the evening of January 20th. Producers contacted CY Co-Artistic Director Dr. Elizabeth Parker on the evening of January 8th with the opportunity for choir members to be part of this historic event. They asked that participants be age 18 or older, which might be a challenge for some organizations that work primarily with children. But CY staff saw this as a chance to connect with Singers from its vast, close-knit network of Alumni, family and friends who would have just three short days to complete the project!
“To bookend singing at the Democratic National Convention with our younger singers and now perform at the Inauguration with alumni, family, and friends is exciting and rare. We are thrilled and honored to be a part,” says Dr. Parker.
“I am beyond honored to have been included in the final group performance of tonight’s inaugural festivities. Thank you to Keystone State Boychoir and CY),” says Keystone State Boychoir (KSB) alumni Kyle Norton. It was “really cool to be seen by the president on his TV (and yours!) and take part in the day where we move on together as one people and one America.”
Pennsylvania Girlchoir (PG) alumni Carlie Cocco says, “I scared myself but there I was. Really grateful to have been part of this project! Thank you Pennsylvania Girlchoir.”
“Secret’s out…. even though I didn’t know if I’d make it. What a way to end the day, am I right? Thank you Keystone State Boychoir for looking out for the alums!” says KSB alumni Greg Davis.
Dr. Parker and CY performers are available for interviews upon request. For more information, contact Communications Director, Michelle Boyles, 215-384-6538.
Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit with a mission to transform the lives of young people through the power of making music together – one song at a time. Its family of programs includes: Find Your Instrument!, Garden State Girlchoir, Keystone State Boychoir, New Jersey Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. CY serves more than 800 children in the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey region between the ages of 7 and 18. For more information, visit cychoirs.org.
Contact: Michelle Boyles
215-384-6538