Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this documentary-like reality show focuses on at-risk teens trying to improve their lives. Descriptions of harsh living conditions and family strife -- including physical abuse, drug and alcohol use, foster care living, and teen homelessness -- are part of the package. Some episodes include intense emotional scenes, such as a visit to a church where murder victims are acknowledged, an event that brings most of the group to tears. A couple of the teens are gay, and there is some discussion of their sexuality. In one episode a girl straddles a boy on his back while giving him a massage. Teens and adults use strong language, some of which is bleeped.
Families can discuss the kids participating in the show. What compels these teens to join the choir? Why do they think singing can help their situations? Do you think the worst singers should be kicked out of the chorus? Why do some of the teens sabotage their own success? Are there other ways that at-risk teens can be helped?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci
In the moving documentary series TRIAL BY CHOIR, 24 at-risk teens join a chorus with the hopes of escaping their rough neighborhoods. A dedicated youth counselor and a stern musical director mentor them along the way.
The 10-week program includes three rehearsals per week in a church basement, as well as occasional social outings during which the teens grow closer to each other. Most of the kids come to the group with singing experience, but a few struggle to keep up and keep pitch. Those who need the most help get intensive individual voice training.
During one-on-one interviews and visits to the teens' homes, the kids expose their vulnerability and share some of their hardships with viewers. One wrestles with his family legacy as he turns 17 -- the same age his father was when he died. Another, whose parents' stints in prison and on drugs sent him and his siblings in separate directions, is now settling in to his recently reunited family. One girl feels like singing is the only thing good in her life, while another vows not to go on welfare like her older sister.
In addition to the teens -- who struggle with brushes with violence, imperfect parents, and their personal quest for accomplishment -- the mentors also evolve. Youth counselor Kate Benjamin grew up on the same tough Boston streets as the kids and uses her informal style to build trust with them. But her cursing and constant haranguing backfires; instead of helping the kids, as she so desperately desires, she drives them away. Meanwhile, Jerome Kyles, an instructor at the famed Berklee College of Music, finds that his detached, intimidating approach earns him respect.
What makes Trial by Choir work is the teens' honesty and their heartbreaking circumstances. Mix that with a documentary style that echoes a reality show without feeling fake, and you've got compelling television.
Fans might also enjoy Run's House and the book Random Family. For somewhat lighter fare for younger kids, try Ice-T's Rap School or Mad Hot Ballroom.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome scenes of teens hugging and kissing on the cheek. One brief scene of a girl massaging a boy on a bed. Some discussion of teens' sexuality. |
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ViolenceNo violence is shown, though there's plenty of talk about it. Several kids' parents were murdered. Teens talk about their violent neighborhoods. One teen brings a knife to choir practice. |
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LanguageRough language, like "bitch," "suck," and "crap." Stronger words, like "s--t" and "f--k," are bleeped. |
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Social BehaviorThe teens are trying to improve their situations and build positive lives. Mentors are trying to help them. All are flawed and touched by unfortunate circumstances. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDiscussion of drug and alcohol abuse. One mentor smokes, but it's not obvious. |
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