Voices of Renaissance
The Voices of Renaissance began in 1999 as a chorus of 150 students and teachers under the direction of Ms. Evelyn D. Lee, founded at the request of then-Superintendent and CEO, Dr. Roger F. Harris. Today, under the leadership of Choir Director Sasha White, the chorus continues to thrive and inspire.
From its earliest days, the program has grown into a nationally recognized ensemble that has included thousands of students. The Voices of Renaissance have performed across the country, traveled internationally to China, and earned the honor of performing three times at the White House.
Beyond performance, the chorus has always been about character and leadership. From the start, it has served as a mentoring program, using music and public performance as a foundation for building confidence, responsibility, and positive values. The mission remains the same: to share uplifting messages and inspire audiences of all ages through the power of song.
Participation in the chorus is both a privilege and a responsibility. These talented musicians commit to after-school rehearsals each week, serving as ambassadors for Boston Renaissance and role models for their peers.
Over time, the Voices of Renaissance program has expanded to include additional opportunities for student growth and leadership, such as the Young Kings and First Ladies Mentoring Program, the Dr. Roger Harris Oratorical Society, and the Professor Charles J. Ogletree Center for Debate and Discourse. Together, these programs empower students to use their voices — whether through music, speech, or debate — to make a lasting impact.
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR GREETS THE VOICES OF RENAISSANCE CHORUS AT WHEELOCK COLLEGE IN 2015.
The Voices of Renaissance was founded in the fall of 1999 as a chorus of 150 students and teachers under the direction of Ms. Evelyn D. Lee, at the request of then-Superintendent and CEO, Dr. Roger F. Harris. From the beginning, its mission has been clear: to inspire audiences of all ages and share positive messages through the power of vocal music.
Today, the chorus continues that legacy with talented student musicians who not only perform, but also excel academically, commit to after-school rehearsals, and serve as ambassadors of Boston Renaissance. As role models for their peers, they embody the values of discipline, leadership, and creativity that define the Renaissance experience.
National Performance:
A Legacy of Performance and Impact
The Voices of Renaissance made its debut in December 1999 at a reception for Hillary Clinton at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Just over a decade later, in 2011, the chorus was invited to the White House to perform for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at a private holiday reception. So moved by their performance, the President and First Lady invited the chorus back in 2012 — and again in 2016.
In 2013, the Voices of Renaissance was honored to perform at the John F. Kennedy Library during the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, where Congressman John Lewis, a legendary civil rights leader, served as guest speaker.
Over the years, the chorus has shared its gift of music on some of the most prestigious stages and with some of the most notable audiences, including Boston Symphony Hall, the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, the Massachusetts State House, Fenway Park, and Faneuil Hall. They have performed at civic events such as mayoral and gubernatorial inaugurations, alongside organizations like the American Cancer Society and the YWCA, and even with the South African Soweto Gospel Choir. Corporate and philanthropic partners such as Microsoft, Reebok International, and MFS Investment Management have also welcomed their inspiring performances.
Beyond Boston, the Voices of Renaissance has traveled across the country, from New York City to Atlanta, Philadelphia to Colorado Springs, and beyond — bringing music, joy, and inspiration to diverse communities. They have also performed at some of the nation’s most respected institutions of higher learning, including Harvard University, Morehouse College, Fort Valley State University, and Spelman College.
Wherever they perform, the Voices of Renaissance represent not only artistic excellence but also the spirit, pride, and promise of Boston Renaissance students.
TESTIMONIALS:
“The messages in these songs are inspirational and encouraging. The songs are not only for the audience, but also for the Performers.”
Dr. Roger F. Harris, Former Superintendent & CEO of the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School
“So far, The Voices of Renaissance were the best performers of the season!”
White House Staff
“Today you’re going to hear from fantastic future leaders of America. You will be overwhelmed with what you hear and see.”
Professor Charles Ogletree, Harvard University Law School
“I was going to talk about the problem, but after hearing them, I realize that the solution is right here in the room.”
Ayanna Gregory, daughter of celebrated Comedian and Human Rights Activist, Dick Gregory
“Powerful and timely!
Congressman John Lewis, Georgia
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VOR Performance videos can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzU3Rt4OPxRrlNOrZbPif4yqlDhWsoo6X
The Young Kings
In a nurturing school environment, our mission is to develop intellect, build character and foster confidence in African-American and Latino boys while developing the social, emotional, educational, and physical needs of those who have few or no positive role models in the communities in which they live. While using thoughtful music and affirmative spoken word as a conduit, we endeavor to empower The Young Kings to be strong, productive and successful global citizens. We further aim to continuously assemble community and business leaders as mentors and role models who are committed to providing the tools necessary to achieve high standards succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive members of society with the support of their parents, families, schools and communities.
The Young Queens
The Young Queens began in the spring of 2010, in response to the prior establishment of the Young Kings – as the girls in the school voiced their interest in having a group of their own. Like the Young Kings, the Young Queens has focused on developing leadership skills, cultural awareness, academic success, college expectations, healthy life styles and positive image building, interest in civic engagement, and the bonds of sisterhood. Additionally, the goal is to expose students to new experiences and provide opportunities for them to implement their knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. The Young Queens is now firmly established as a key program at the school and has shown a great impact in the lives of the girls, and the school overall.
The purpose of the Dr. Roger F. Harris Oratorical Society is to provide an opportunity for our students to learn the art and style of public speaking in a safe and nurturing environment where they can gain the maturity, experience and knowledge to speak formally about meaningful topics. Performing speeches from memory, students learn to read and deeply analyze texts that they can then present in a clear, understandable way with confidence in front of a large audience.
For more videos of Oratorical Society speeches click here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzU3Rt4OPxRovqMTyDkZCCIxXgEelGq7E
Complex topics that require research, facts and figures and the development of lines of reasoning and argumentation can be very challenging for elementary school students. However, with the help of legendary Harvard Law Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Renaissance parents, oratorical coaches and teachers came together and successfully raised the expectations of elementary school students with the opening of the Charles J. Ogletree Center for Debate and Discourse in 2017.
Students from grades 3-6 developed their critical thinking, writing and public speaking skills by researching, developing lines of reasoning, and presenting their arguments on a topic of their own choosing in front of a live audience and debate judge who ultimately declared the winning team.
