March 19, 2024

Popular EP Kid's Rock Chorus Concert June 1st @ EPHS

Public school 4th & 5th graders from East Providence join forces to create a 150 plus member rock chorus.

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You won't want to miss the annual East Providence Kids Rock Chorus concert on Friday, June 1st. The concert held in the beautiful 1,000 seat EPHS auditorium is generally filled to capacity with parents, friends and supporters of the elementary school chorus. "We recently hit 1 million video views on Face Book . We are incredibly lucky to have so much support. Come "view" us live Friday, June 1st. in the EPHS auditorium at 6:30pm," said the effervescent chorus teacher Taylor Temple. Temple is a graduate of East Providence High School who returned to teach music in his hometown school system. Temple along with fellow teacher Nick Hurd, rehearse for the large concert once a week for 45 minutes with the students. The young teachers work with 4th and 5th graders from Kent Heights, Hennessey and Waddington schools in the city. A few parent volunteers help with logistics on concert night and the show takes on a near professional experience.

Recently the Kids Rock Chorus has gone to area nursing homes to entertain very appreciative and happy audiences. The group has, of course, been a cornerstone of the wildly popular television commercials for the now closed chain of Benny's stores. The chorus was featured singing the store’s jingle “Benny's is My Favorite Store". Music teacher, Taylor Temple, was approached by Benny's management who requested that the EP chorus film a commercial. “The kids had a blast,” said Temple, “and the whole thing was sort of surreal for us.” The commercial can still be seen currently on the chorus FaceBook page.

A program that was once on the chopping block of some prior city administrators has now been widely supported by current officials. Some in the recent past thought that students were missing valuable “instruction” time while in music class. “Thank God the EP School Committee stepped in and saved the day,” said educator and State Representative Gregg Amore. “Responsive school committee members listened to parents and teachers and most importantly, kids and the music program was saved,” Amore added.

Temple's kids sing a wide range of selections. Artists like the Beatles, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, C.C.R., Madonna, Janis Joplin, E.L.O., Daniel Johnston, Bruno Mars, The Monkees, Aerosmith, The Mamas & the Papas, Bob Marley, Elvis and many others are featured. "While having fun, our students are learning a lot about music history and music education," said Temple.

Last year Radio station 94 HJY commented on the EP Chorus after watching them perform a Bob Marley song on YouTube: “Kids covering Bob Marley is amazing, props to their instructor and they're right here in Rhode Island!”

Dozens of Kids Rock performances are available to watch on YouTube or their own social media site. The group has an active Facebook page which updates the choir’s activities: Go to Kids Rock Chorus.

If you don't have plans on Friday, June 1, 2018, get to EPHS by 6:30 for the show. If you do have plans - cancel them and get to EPHS to enjoy the concert and support music in public schools.

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