The Singing Cardinals earn top honors in the Youth Choirs category at Sing for Gold 2026, representing Baltimore and the United States on the international stage.
The Singing Cardinals, the choir of ConneXions Academy: A Community Based Art School (ConneXions), brought home an international victory after traveling to Spain to compete in the Sing for Gold 2026 music competition. They won the Youth Choirs category and were named one of eight finalists for the World Choral Cup 2026, marking a major achievement for the school and its young performers.
Led by Brandon Booth, who founded and built the choir from scratch 12 years ago, the group was the only choir from the United States accepted into the competition. Twenty choir members, including current students and recent graduates returning to perform, participated in the event hosted by Interkultur, one of the world’s leading organizers of international choral competitions and festivals.
(Photo: The Choir performing in Spain)
For the students, the trip represented more than a chance to compete. It was an opportunity to showcase their talent, represent their community and country, and experience the power of music across cultures.
Senior Aaliyah Haynes said she feels like this moment is “historic.” “Living in Baltimore City and then being in an all-Black choir going overseas being the only Black choir [in the competition], I find that historical.”
Senior Zy’on Cooper said his family was surprised, but supportive of this trip saying they were “proud [of] the fact that I even had the opportunity to be able to do that and the fact that we [have been] performing at such a high level to even get that opportunity.”
The international win builds on the choir’s history of success. The Singing Cardinals have earned multiple awards at competitions, including Festival Disney and Hershey Park, developing a reputation for musical excellence through years of practice, discipline and collaboration.
Under Booth’s direction, students learn vocal technique, music reading, music theory, music history and the importance of working together. Their repertoire challenges them to master intricate arrangements, shifting harmonies and songs in multiple languages.
The music they’re performing isn’t easy and often complex. "Atonal harmonies sometimes," Booth said. "Sometimes, eight parts, sometimes 12 parts." Their music includes songs in different languages, including Latin, German, French, and Hindi.
“One song is called ‘A Prayer’ it was arranged by Ken Burton… it just really like speaks to me… the fact that you can like express yourself through music in that way, it's just so beautiful to me.”
The experience provides another opportunity and experience. Many students, and Booth himself, have never traveled internationally, so they’re learning important skills like securing passports and preparing for life and culture that may look different than their own.
“I cannot wait for them to hear and see choirs from China and Ireland, where the culture of music is different than ours,” Booth said. “I just can’t wait for them to be able to experience all of those things.”
When asked why she thinks choir is important in school, Haynes who has performed soprano and alto in the choir said. “Music is very connected through humans. People get happy hearing us. Music is key to the human soul.”
Cooper said that choir has given him so much, but above all, it has given him a community. “Choir teaches you to work with the people around you. It helps you make friends. Most of my friends are from the choir. I don't know what I would be doing if I wasn't in the choir. It brings me guidance. I see Mr. Booth as like... he's like a father figure to me. He's really a big figure in my life.”
City Schools is proud of the dedication and determination of these students. “If you’d like to support our choir, share our videos on social media, and you can donate for trip expenses directly to our school.”