Thomas Miller did more than help spread beautiful music when he recorded the choir at Misericordia Heart of Mercy and turned their melodies into a CD. Beyond recording and mixing, Miller, director of the Sound Recording Technology (SRT) program at the DePaul University School of Music, illustrated how DePaul’s sound recording program can use the universal language of music to lend a helping hand in the community while giving students practical experience.

To kick off Misericordia’s Jelly Belly Candy Days on April 24 and 25, The Heart Zingers will perform selections from the CD, "Our Favorite Songs," on April 23 at the DePaul Center Plaza, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, beginning at noon.

Working with Misericordia’s choir inspired Miller to expand his outreach in the community. "It was a labor of love working with Misericordia, and it offered a real lesson on the types of projects that I will consider for SRT and its students in the future," said Miller.

Misericordia is an agency that supports 550 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from all racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. The Heart Zingers had practiced a variety of songs that were ripe for recording. A CD of the music would be perfect for holiday gift giving, as several of the tunes were Christmas songs. That is where Miller came into the picture. He was asked to take the expertise taught in SRT beyond the halls of DePaul and lend a hand in the community. Past projects on which Miller and his SRT students had worked focused mainly on recording music created by musicians connected to DePaul. Outside projects were small such as recording the jazz band at the Emerson Middle School in Park Ridge, Ill. Miller also worked with the American Tinnitus Association to produce a CD that demonstrated what people who suffer from tinnitus, an auditory affliction, experience.

For the Misericordia CD project, Miller set up a studio in the basement of the building where the Heart Zingers practiced. He then took what he recorded back to DePaul where he turned the 15 to 20 voices he captured into a CD that sounded like it was created in a cathedral instead of a basement.

The final project, which was directed by Madge and Bob Erlenbaugh, includes 20 selections that cover a gamut of musical delicacies, from holiday music to classics such as "The Star-Spangled Banner," "What a Wonderful World" and "Amazing Grace."

The project was a winner for all involved. Miller described it as "inspirational." Those at Misericordia viewed it as an opportunity to raise public awareness of the abilities of persons with disabilities. "We feel grateful that SRT was so willing to donate their time and talent to this wonderful project," said Lois Gates, assistant executive director at Misericordia. "It is important that we continue to raise awareness about the mission of Misericordia. When we are able to partner with outstanding institutions like DePaul, our residents have the opportunity to showcase their talent. It is a true accomplishment for the Heart Zingers to have an experience like working on this CD project."

The Sound Recording Technology Program at DePaul currently has an enrollment of about 35 students who learn in small classes that number about eight or nine students. It is a four-year program designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding audio industry by offering them a solid foundation built on traditional music skills and extensive training in contemporary music technology.

Working on the Misericordia project reinforced for Miller how important it is not only to introduce his SRT students to the practical side of their craft, but how to use their skills to make a difference in the community.

"It was so rewarding to see the faces of the choir members when they received copies of the CD and could hear the finished product," said Miller. "We’re always open to doing projects of this kind in the community. After working on the Misericordia CD, I will look for other projects like it in the community that allow our students to showcase their talent while helping others."

For more information about the SRT, visit its Web site at: http://music.depaul.edu/srt

Note to Editors—The concert will be moved to the concourse level of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., in the case of rain. Tom Miller will be available for interviews before and after the concert. Call Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039 to arrange a time.