NJTV Airs Documentary Co-produced by the School of Communication and Media and John J. Cali School of Music June 4, 6

NJTV  aired the documentary American Voices: Montclair State University Vocal Accord’s European Tour 2012, a joint project between Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media (SCM) and the John J. Cali School of Music, on June 4 and June 6. The documentary film traces the musical, cultural, and personal journey of the 24 students in Montclair State University’s Vocal Accord as they sang their way through Europe in June 2012. SCM students Robert Dickerson and Kenneth Spooner, who both graduated in May 2013, produced the documentary.

American Voices – filmed during the Accord’s 14-day European tour – is a testament to the triumphs and fears, joys and pains and, most importantly, the unique musical and community bond that is fostered by the choral arts. After performing in Vienna under the direction of Heather J. Buchanan, associate professor of music and director of Choral Activities, the Vocal Accord spent a week at Montclair State’s international exchange partner institution, the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria (KUG).  There, they participated in workshops and performed. The group’s tour ended with a concert in the historic Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Venice, Italy.

“We are immensely proud of the dedication that the University’s Vocal Accord members showed through their journey and the ability of our own students to bring dedication, heart, and bond alive on the big screen,” said Steve McCarthy, SCM news producer and executive producer of American Voices.

Spooner welcomed the opportunity to learn from McCarthy, who was his teacher and mentor. 

For both Dickerson and Spooner, American Voices was just a beginning. Spooner has started his own production company. “I am working to master the art of storytelling through video,” he says. “In the near future, I will write, direct and produce a feature length narrative film with a small team that I have been working closely with for the past six months.

For Dickerson, his post-graduate plans are to work for a TV network or film company. “I hope to keep making documentaries,” he says.

A joint project of the SCM and the Cali School, the production of the film also received support from the Office of the President and the University’s Global Education Center. "American Voices" aired on NJTV on June 4 at 10 p.m., and on June 6 at 4 a.m.

Watch the trailer: