The “Let Freedom Sing” concert was performed on Monday January 26, 2012.

It included the talents of certain students from Wilkinsburg and Franklin Regional High School Choirs, the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir, members of the Masterworks Concert Chorale from Murrysville, Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Church and other area choruses according to the official “Let Freedom Sing” website.

The concert has strongly impacted the community as well as various Pittsburgh city communities in many different ways.

Kris Rust, a music teacher at Franklin Regional High School founded the program because he thought it was something the community needed.

“I like how diverse people from all walks of life come together to make music,” Rust said.  

According to the “Let Freedom Sing” official website, the concert “brought together black communities and white communities, city neighborhoods and suburbs, and young and old participants and audience members in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of brotherhood.”

Students that have participated in the concert agree that “Let Freedom Sing” is a great way to celebrate the diversity in America that many people so often take for granted.

“It really opens everyone’s eyes to problems with diversity and acceptance,” according to junior Hannah Jenkins.

Jenkins has performed in the “Let Freedom Sing” concert for three years.

Her favorite part of the concert is getting to sing different kinds of songs and meeting new people.

The students and other members of the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir and the Masterworks Concert Chorale from Murrysville sing a variety of gospel songs that are both spiritual and inspirational, all dealing with Martin Luther King Jr.

The program featured Pittsburgh’s own Etta Cox, Joe Negri, Vanessa German, and was conducted by Rev. Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones according to the “Let Freedom Sing” official website.

 “It is a great chance to experience singing with African American women. Their voices are astonishing,” according to senior Delaney Marion.

Marion has been a part of the concert for four years.

It is clear that a lot of time and preparation goes into the performance.

“We practice our music in class and practice all day Saturday with the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir,” according to Jenkins.

The many hours of hard work and dedication surely pay off and make for an incredible show.

According to the “let Freedom Sing” official website “the event will demonstrate the importance of becoming actively involved in community affairs, working toward a common goal, and how local action can make a contribution for the common good.”

Thus proving that everyone involved is greatly impacted by the performance.

“The concert all together means a lot to me. I look forward to it every year. The people are amazing. The voices are amazing.” said Marion.

The concert is a great way to not only showcase the talent of Franklin and Wilkinsburg students alike, but also to remind everyone of the freedom people like Martin Luther King Jr. fought undyingly for.

All in all, “Let Freedom Sing” sends an inspirational message that stays with you throughout a lifetime.