Abundant research proves that music has a profound impact in education. Music study stimulates both the creative and technical sides of the brain, increases confidence, improves behavior, enhances literacy, boosts academic success and attendance rates, inspires joy, and builds school morale. Gratefully, our district is ....... (Read More)
Vallejo Times Herald: VOENA Italy-bound for two weeks
It’s roughly 6,600 miles from the Bay Area to Siracusa, Italy, which makes for a long plane ride.
No problem. Annabelle Marie figured out how to ease the pain for her VOENA children’s choir members, who have never made the 11-hour flight....... (Read More)
Local Happenings Magazine: Voices of VOENA
Annabelle’s success in leading VOENA has not come from selecting only the most naturally gifted singers. Instead, the truth is that no one is ever denied a chance to sing in this choir. While maintaining a strict policy of no auditions, VOENA has gained the admiration and applause of audiences worldwide. (Read More)
Times-Herald: VOENA Gets Treated to Southern Hospitality
These wild, crazy, arm-waving, strange-language speaking, diverse cultured California kids. If they're not careful, why, they might just be invited back to the Crossroads Children's Chorus Festival.
And that makes Annabelle Marie one tickled choir director... (Read More)
HuffPost: Youth Choir Inspires and Connects Worldwide Audience at 2012 Olympics
There’s lots to love about VOENA: their genuine joy while singing, colorful costumes, songs and the multicultural mix of kids (plus a few adults) whose ages range from five to 18. But what I love most is that founder Annabelle Marie inspires the group of more than 150 kids to discover their voice and use it for good. They’ve infused inspiration and happiness in the lives of the community, also singing at schools and charity events. (Read more)
SF Chronicle: Kids' choir Voena to perform at Olympics
The choir was started as a way for a mom in Benicia to keep her three sons busy.
Nearly two decades later, the choir, which began with 12 children, now has 140 kids, ages 5 to 18, who will perform at the... (Read more)
BAM Magazine: Bay Area Music Group Invited to Sing at the Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are right around the corner, and I was very excited to learn that a Bay Area music group has been invited to journey to the U.K. and perform at one of the most prestigious events at the games... (read more)
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HuffPost: VOENA Children’s Choir To Perform At Olympic Games In London
Scott Gault and Kristin Hedstrom aren’t the only Bay Area natives gearing up for a performance in the London Olympics this summer. In fact, 55 children from Benicia are preparing themselves for their own time in the international spotlight. (read more)
