The Power of Music Education to Transform Lives
BIG
VOICE chronicles a challenging year in the life of a determined public
high school choir director as he pushes his students to achieve a high
level of artistry and become “one big voice”, despite the many obstacles
they face.
Santa Monica High’s Jeffe Huls’ passion for the choral arts and music fuels his desire to exceed all standards and expectations.
Following
a series of competitive auditions, Mr. Huls convenes his dream choir
ensemble. But he soon discovers that these 32 teenagers are the most
unwieldy group he has ever taught. Some face serious personal or
academic issues, while others are simply not prepared for the hard work
necessary to achieve the excellence Huls seeks.
Huls must
convince his students to set aside their problems, conflicts, and
teenage angst to achieve the artistry he knows they are capable of.
BIG
VOICE is as much a story about the transformative power of arts
programs in helping students face the many struggles of high school life
as it is about choir and music.
Despite budget cuts that
endanger arts programs everywhere, this committed choir teacher strives
to create a vibrant vocal music program that successfully ignites in his
students a passion for music, a sense of belonging, and the value of
working hard to achieve their dreams as they prepare to step into
adulthood.
WITH SPECIAL FEATURES
Why Join Choir? - 8:03
Choir Girls Aspirations - 2:10
What One Big Voice Feels Like - 3:50
Students on What Makes Mr. Huls an Effective Teacher - 10:00
Mr. Huls on Being a Reflective Teacher - 2:17
Gary Marshall Awards Mr. Huls a Bravo award - 2:25
Mr Huls on Selecting Music - A Gregorian Chant - 2:30
Mr. Huls Conducts Dies Irae - 1:20
Mr. Huls on His Nebraska Roots - 7:07
Preview link available upon request. Contact support@videoproject for more information
Reviews and Festivals
"Starred Review. An outstanding chronicle of teaching, learning,
and creating high-quality collaborative art. Filmmaker Bar-Kar’s
editing matches the choirmaster’s meticulous attention to detail. In the
end, everyone here thrives in a climate of serious fun, even when
perfection remains elusive.”
– Library Journal
“Starred Review. Exceptional...inspiring and thought provoking. A
combination of cajoling, encouragement, innovative techniques, sheer
force of will, and a deep-held love of music play a role in motivating
and teaching his students. Secondary music teachers and students will
find much here to appreciate, as will those who love music.”
– School Library Journal
"Starred Review. This thoughtful film shares insights on the power
of the arts and the work of a personable, dedicated choir director who
teaches five classes daily. In the state competition and impressive final concert, we are treated to top-notch, meaningful, and moving performances. "
– Booklist
"Highly Recommended. Championing the cause of arts education in public schools, Big Voice is an entertaining and uplifting portrait of a dedicated teacher and the students he motivates to strive for excellence. Top-quality in every technical aspect.... It’s
an especially fine choice for school and academic libraries supporting
programs in music education and performance, and deserves a place in
public library collections as well."
– Educational Media Reviews Online
"Recommended. Filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar's optimistic if also evenhanded documentary."
-Video Librarian
“You have beautifully represented the craft to which we choral educators
have devoted our lives. In an age when such cynical pabulum as Pitch
Perfect, Glee, and American Idol masquerade as being a representative of
the vocal arts, your work is nothing short of miraculous. You have
treated your subject matter with respect, humanity, humor, and above all
veracity. I know that untold hundreds of thousands of choral singers
and conductors will cherish this film.”
–Dr. Scott W. Dorsey, Director of Education & Communication, American Choral Directors Association
“Big Voice is an immensely engaging and emotional film. Beautifully
and simply told, this portrayal of a beloved taskmaster of a teacher at a
large public high school will surely make you weep. But it is more than
just the relationship and students; It is also about music, community,
belonging, and love.
–Janet Yang, Producer
“Big Voice is a passionate and beautiful film that shows just how
important the arts are to individual students and the entire community.
This inspiring documentary helps spread the word that against all odds,
it’s possible to have thriving music and arts programs in our schools.”
–Marcy Ross, President, Skydance Television
“To watch the young choir grow in skill and
self-confidence is what makes Big Voice so compelling a film. Our
education system and our society now more than ever need the Jeffe Huls
of this world.”
–Desert Local News
“By teaching these students to read music, to express a song with true
artistry, and to learn to cooperate so that they can merge their voices
to become one ‘big voice’, Huls is giving them a gift that will enrich
their lives forever.”
–MusicFolder.com
OFFICIAL SELECTION
American Documentary Film Festival
Julien Dubuque Film Festival
LA Femme Film Int’l Festival
Heartland Film Festival
Carmel Int’l Film & Arts Festival
Take 2 Hamptons Documentary Film Festival
Sonoma Film Festival
WINNER
• Best Family Feature, South Dakota Film Festival
• Best U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature, Heartland Film Festival
• Best Documentary Feature, NFMLA Film Festival
