Schools
Brooks Student Sings at Obama's Presidential Inauguration Kids' Concert
Brooks Middle School seventh-grader Torian Williams sang with the 40-member youth gospel choir the Soul Children of Chicago at Saturday's Presidential Inauguration Kids' Concert.
A Brooks Middle School seventh-grader sang at the Presidential Inauguration Kids' Concert Saturday.
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Torian Williams traveled to Washington, DC, to perform with the Soul Children of Chicago, a 40-plus member gospel youth choir. The group sang a rendition of the Beatles "Come Together" and "Lift Him Up."
Williams has been a member of the group for two years.
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“It was an unexplainable experience,” Williams said. “You’re really in shock at first when you see the First Lady and the President. But you just sing and do what you have to do.”
It was also exciting to be back stage and see Katy Perry and some members of the Glee cast, he said. Usher also performed.
The concert, hosted by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, honors American military families. It was streamed live to military bases around the country.
"Now, inauguration is a pretty big deal," said first lady Michelle Obama, accoring to the Huffington Post. "But I have to tell you that my very favorite part of this entire weekend is being right here with all of you."
Torian Williams, the son of Tamiko and Timothy Williams, has been singing since he was four and comes from a long line of gospel singers in his family. He attended Oak View Elementary School and has a sister who is a sophomore at Bolingbrook High School and a brother who is at Oak View.
“I am elated and honored that my son was chosen for an opportunity of this magnitude. It has been a rewarding experience for Torian's entire family, friends, and other relatives,” said Tamiko Williams.
“He has been blessed with the gift of singing within the genre of music and it has opened many doors for him.”
Williams added the family is looking forward to additional opportunities for Torian to sing with local and national recording artists while he is a member of The Soul Children of Chicago.
Editor's note: Parts of this article are from a Valley View press release.
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