Eric Taylor has found a unique way to instill his joyful love of music in children from widely diverse backgrounds. As the Artistic Director of the Detroit Children’s Choir, he introduces his young singers to musical excellence, with a repertory that ranges from traditional choral music to Motown standards. “The way I describe it to the kids,” he says, “is ‘Here’s all different kinds of ice cream flavors. You’re not going to like just one; you’re going to try them all! Like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’”
The Detroit Children’s Choir includes students in grades 3 through 12 from communities in southeastern Michigan, including children from affluent suburbs and the inner city. This brings together parents of choir members from a broad range of backgrounds, who volunteer to help in concert preparation and ensure that every child succeeds.
Eric also teaches music in seven Detroit schools, some of them in extremely financially stressed neighborhoods that otherwise would have no vocal music program. Each year, he organizes a concert bringing together students from all the participating schools.
Eric sees the Detroit Children’s Choir as playing a role in breaking the cycle of poverty in the inner-city. “Our primary focus,” he says, “is making sure each child has the creativity, the confidence, and the drive to be able to see beyond their normal day-to-day and to be able to go on to do amazing things.”
As an example, Eric cites a student who came to the choir as a shy eight-year old. Now a junior in high school, he’s confidently singing solos in a voice that some parents compare to Frank Sinatra’s. This summer, he’s been awarded a full scholarship to attend the summer music camp of the prestigious Interlochen music academy.
No child has to audition to become part of the Detroit Children’s Choir. Eric has found that young people who are initially challenged by the technical aspects of singing always respond and grow when given personal attention and training. “We don’t exclude anybody,” he says. “I believe every child should have the opportunity to sing.”