Streams Community Hub launches Sing Club’s debut album

Written By Paula Brown 

Shelburne residents now have the opportunity to listen to original music created by local youth. 

Streams Community Hub celebrated the launch of their Sing Club program's debut album Sing Club: Vol. 1 during a special event held at Grace Tipling Hall in Shelburne on May 25. The album features seven original tracks written and performed by the 15 members of the Sing Club program, who range in age from 6 to 13.

“It's a great accomplishment and it's super exciting to be able to work with these students to conceptualize an idea and then go through the process of executing it,” said Noni Thomas, lead of Stream's Music Program. 

The Sing Club program at Streams Community Hub was started in 2022 by Thomas, a local music educator, and looks to teach youth about music fundamentals and healthy vocal techniques while singing alongside their peers. 

As part of the first six-to-eight-week program, Thomas worked with a group of students to collaborate on writing an original song. Following an enthusiastic response, Thomas continued to bring the collaborative project back at each Sing Club program session. 

In September of 2023, Stream Community Hub expanded the Sing Club program to be a full-year session. It was during the expansion that Thomas began looking for a project to do with the kids that would align with Stream's takeover of Shelburne Town Hall, and decided to create an album with songs written by the kids in the Sing Club program. 

“I had this idea that we already write songs, and it'd be really cool if we could do an album and release it,” said Thomas. “It's been amazing to work with the kids and now we have this tangible thing that is out in the world and will be there forever.” 

The youth in the program began writing the songs for the album at the beginning of the year and then spent roughly five sessions in March recording Sing Club: Vol. 1. 

“The music is pop sounding, it's catchy and very light-hearted,” said Thomas. “It's genuinely good music that is authentic and from the kids' perspective.”

The Sing Club: Vol. 1 album features the voices of Emma A., Ethan A., Olivia B., Kamoy D., Ruth F., Zoey H., Jenna H., Akeylah J., Alexandra J., Amaya J., Mariah K., Shyla-Kae M., Nia N., Emma S., Gabriella S.

“It feels awesome to be apart of the project. I feel so proud of myself for doing this. Getting to be with other people so talented and getting to do this project feels amazing. I'm so glad everyone will get the opportunity to hear what we created,” said Kamoy D. 

“The harmonies and creativity that bring everyone together are what I love about Sing Club. It feels exhilarating to be able to share it with others,” said Mariah K. 

“It was one of the best extracurricular experiences I have had. I was able to meet new people that became my friends and to collaborate with them in making musical history in Shelburne,” said Shyla-Kae M.

Thomas spoke about the significance of giving youth the opportunity to write and produce their own original songs. 

“Sometimes we see the music industry as this big machine, that might seem a little inaccessible. What's great about this process is we're showing the kids that it's something that's very possible. Not easy to do, but can be done,” said Thomas. “Being able to write a song and put it out there, it's like you're able to put your voice out in the world. It's empowering and encouraging, knowing that your point of view is valid.” 

Streams Community Hub's album, Sing Club: Vol. 1, is now available to listen to on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube.