Feature Stories

MMW 7th Graders Featured in Virtual "Clouds Choir for a Cause"

Last Friday, December 11, marked the premiere of the eighth annual "Clouds Choir" for a Cause, and the voices of MMW's 7th grade choir students joined in the virtual harmony.

The event, which is normally held at the Mall of America, typically includes thousands of participants singing a song written by seventeen-year-old Zach Sobiech. Sobiech wrote "Clouds" months before he passed away from cancer, fulfilling a dream he had to write songs and record an album. The "Clouds Choir" for a Cause event honors his legacy while raising awareness about childhood cancer.

"I have taught Zach's song 'Clouds' to my MMW choirs as part of their daily vocal warm-up routine every year since 2013," shared Minnetonka Schools choir instructor Jena Menke. "As part of a unit we study in class, students also learn about Zach's story. My students love to sing 'Clouds,' they request it! The song has become a choral tradition at MMW."

"The MMW Choir has not missed a year participating in the 'Clouds Choir for a Cause,' and we were not about to sit this one out," said Menke. "Our choral program has proven its steadfast resiliency throughout the pandemic, and participating in this event gave my students and I a chance to sing as a large group again – virtually."

Menke hopes learning "Clouds" benefitted student both as musicians and as people. "This year, it was even more important to me to use 'Clouds' as a vessel for all of us to embrace positivity, hope, and to live every day to the fullest," said Menke.

Minnesota radio station KS95 hosted the virtual event. Listen to the 2020 performance on their website: http://bit.ly/34qWDtV

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