How Choral Music Is Changing Uganda

African Children's Choir


Can choral music change the world? You bet it can, and it is! Consider the work of Ray Barnett beginning in 1984 with the children of Uganda, Africa.

 Ray was on a humanitarian trip to war-torn Uganda when he gave a young boy a ride from his decimated home to a safer village. During the journey, the child did what he knew how to do best – he SANG! And, it was that simple song of dignity and hope that became the catalyst for a program that has changed the lives of thousands of children and reshaped the future of the African continent. (Read more of the story about the origins of the African Children’s Choir here)


Now some 35 years later, thousands of young Ugandans have participated in this wonderful mission to “help Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow.”

And boy can they sing! Here are a few videos of live performances by the African Children’s Choir: 





If you have the chance to see them perform live, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity. You will be impressed by their energy and dynamic singing. Here is their current tour schedule.

It’s important to note that the training and development of these young people goes way beyond their concerts. The African Children’s Choir has recently built a new school and has a tremendous Leadership Development Program you can read all about here.


And now, for the first time, musical arrangements of songs performed by the African Children’s Choir are being transcribed into arrangements for other choirs to sing. Here’s a brief informational video about the ACC’s new relationship with easychoirmusic.com.

If you're interested in performing some of their music with your own group, here is a link to the first two arrangements now in place for purchase from easychoirmusic.com.


Take a moment to experience the African Children’s Choir, and see how music is changing the world!


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