Artwork by children at Reiche Elementary School, Portland, Maine
Pihcintu is a Passamaquoddy word meaning “When she sings her voice carries far” and for a group of young diverse and passionate singers in Portland Maine, this word embodies the soul of this chorus.
First and foremost, Pihcintu strives to bring as many first generation immigrant children into its fold, recognizing the horrific situations from which many of them have come. War torn villages, famine and political asylum are all realities for the majority of Pihcintu’s young members. Other singers primarily represent cross culturally and trans racially adopted children. Melding these groups is a powerful experience for all the children, who live in a predominately Caucasian state. Learning crosses many levels.
It all began in the summer of 2005, when the first seeds of a children’s multicultural chorus were planted by Con Fullam, producer and songwriter, who combined his passion for music with his compassion for world issues as they affect children. With Portland’s emerging international community there seemed to be fertile ground to bring together children from many diverse ethnic communities in a chorus setting. Dr. Rick Nickerson , as Music Director and Anne Belden as Managing Director joined Con that same summer to begin creating a vision and developing a plan. Many organizations, churches and schools proceeded to help Pihcintu recruit middle school age singers and promote the organization. In February of 2006 Pihcintu began rehearsals with 25 children, representing 10 countries who attended 9 schools throughout greater Portland. Today, the chorus embraces close to 40 singers.
Singers gather each week, to join together as a diverse group , and to sing ,snack and have fun. Pihcintu has drawn upon every ounce of goodwill and support from innumerable organizations to get to where it is today, only one year after initial conversations took root. Amongst our most fervent supporters are:
- Portland Public Schools Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Programs
- The Governor’s Office
- Williston West Church
- State Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs
- Catholic Charities of Maine
- Portland Housing Authority
- The Studio
- Reggie Groeff Studios
- Barber Foods
Chorus Director: Dr. Richard Nickerson
Producer: Con Fullam
Manager: Anne Belden
Associate Producer: Aurelie Kelly