A whirlwind that began three months ago for east-side Detroit pupils must seem "like a room without a roof," as they sing in a video that blew the lid off their lives.
The Academy of Arts & Sciences choir led by Angela Key performed this week at Disney World's Magic Kingdom, The Detroit News says. Their act, of course, was a gospel-style version of the Pharrell Williams hit "Happy."
"This will be a magical experience that they will live with for the rest of their lives,” the paper quotes charter school CEO Maurice Morton as saying.
The flurry of attention began after Edward Bone, father of a singer, posted a two-minute rehearsal video of the song March 7 on YouTube (below). It passed 5,600 views in eight days and was seen another 144,600 times in the next three days as news coverage and social media sharing began. It now exceeds 1.5 million screenings.
The kids went on "Today" and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where the host presented a $50,000 check.
"Here's an inspiring example people can see of the revival of Detroit," Morton told Deadline Detroit in mid-March. "These kids are exhibiting talent and skill sets they're need later. They learn about poise, confidence, teamwork, communication skill, voice projection, appropriate appearance and articulation. It's powerful."
The public charter academy on East Jefferson, founded 16 years ago by Rev. Jim Holley, serves about 1,000 students. Singers need a 3.0 grade point average to join what's called the show choir.
-- Alan Stamm
Earlier at Deadline Detroit:
- They're Happy: Detroit Academy Choir With Viral Video Will Be On 'Today,' March 18
- Pupils' Video of Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' Passes 5,600 Views, March 15
