The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy choir is spreading holiday cheer around the city.
From singing at malls and professional sporting events to performing in their annual showcase, students are working hard to bring the seasonal joy to everyone around them.
“The holiday performances are by far my favorite and the most memorable each year,” said Aston S. “The seats are filled, your mom is cheering for you, and you get to sing with your brothers. What more could you ask for?”
A senior, Aston said one of his favorite songs to sing over the holiday season is “O Holy Night.”
“It has a powerful sound that’s heartfelt and it is a great song to bring people together,” he said.
Aston, and the rest of the BOMLA choir, participates in up to six holiday performances every year, said Dustin Barksdale, director of choirs. This year, the choir was featured at the Galleria Dallas and sang before a Dallas Mavericks game.
This time of year is especially meaningful because students of all ages come together to form one choir, Barksdale said.
“You get to see students who might not typically sing together, might not typically talk to each other, come together and make music,” he said. “I try to select a holiday repertoire that will appeal to all grade levels and will challenge students but also bring them together for the common good.”
In fact, about 250 members of the choir are on the same stage at the same time during the school’s annual winter concert.
“My goal for these events is for all students, seniors to sixth grade, to feel like they have something in common, a bond that will connect them for life,” Barksdale said.
For many of the students, it’s the chance to come together in song that makes the planning and preparation all worth it.
“It is great being part of this tradition here at BOMLA and Dallas ISD with students who all put their differences aside and sing together as one for the community,” said Jeremiah L.
A sophomore, Jeremiah joined the choir five years ago. He said the team practices during rehearsals after school and are expected to keep it up at home.
Of all his performances during his time in the BOMLA choir, Jeremiah said he enjoys going to NorthPark Center.
“We get to enhance people’s shopping experience by bringing back the holiday spirit,” he said.
Teh’Darreon B., a senior who has been in the BOMLA choir for seven years, agreed.
“It is always great to be a part of these BOMLA traditions because I like the positive response from the community,” he said.
Planning for the holiday performances starts over the summer, when Barksdale starts making music selections. By October, rehearsals are in full-swing.
“While most people are singing “Spooky Scary Skeletons,” we are already singing “Deck the Halls,” Barksdale said.
He said his favorite part of performing during the holidays is seeing the greater school community come together in celebration.
“Families of all different backgrounds, students from all different backgrounds, our student body, and staff come together to support each other,” he said. “Everybody leaves happy from our holiday concerts, and the students come back in January, refreshed and with a renewed spirit for choir, right as we enter UIL season.”
