The Voice of a Child

When I was in elementary school, I was a member of my school choir. I had a passion for singing and performing in front of people--thriving off of solos and spotlight performances. When I was in 6th grade, I was elected as president of the choir. I led the other "Roy Gomm Family Singers" in songs that required sign language or split harmonies. One of my jobs was to supervise and aid to the younger students when we went on field trips.

Every year, the Gomm Family Singers perform in local hotel/casinos, malls, and rest homes for the elderly. My favorite places to go were the elderly communities because the people there were so appreciative and thrilled to hear us sing. These field trips in particular, were extremely rewarding for both the tenants and the choir.

I would lead our 85 choir members into the lobby of the rest homes where we would line up in several curved rows. After we assumed our positions, my teacher tested the sound, set up microphones, adjusted the volume, and organized her music sheets. As the choir stood quietly waiting to begin, old men and women were brought to the room, mostly in wheel chairs. The looks on their tired faces were infused with life and happiness as they say the wave of children standing before them.

We sang our traditional choir songs, as well as a few oldies such as, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. In between songs and at the end of our performances, we would walk through the audience and say hello to the men and women. Feelings of pure enjoyment and love were prevalent in their eyes. Although some were unable to speak, they showed their gratitude with nonverbal facial gestures.

There is a special wonderment that one receives from the presence and voices of young children. As I look back, I am honored to have spread that feeling to a small community. In my hospital project, I want to bring the same overwhelming joy to patients. In addition to the hospital's makeover, I would like to bring in young guests to perform and interact with the patients. Of course, not all hospital patients are old and weathered; however, live performances bring happiness to people of all ages.

The performance groups will consist of elementary to high school choirs, and even some college acapella teams. Additionally, I would like to invite inspirational speakers, magicians, and other performers with special talents. There will be a performing arts theater inside the hospital where patients will get to see the shows. Special conditions will be met for more critical or immobile patients; therefore, almost everyone will get the opportunity to relieve themselves from their stresses.