Opus HML Singers: Music Over Time

Former choir members from diverse backgrounds reflect on how the Hialeah-Miami Lakes Singers offered a lifeline during the turbulent 1980s, while contemplating the societal consequences of denying future generations access to choir and the arts.
Duration
45 minutes
Film Type
Secondary Genre
Music, Education
Primary Genre
Language
English, Spanish
Country of Origin
United States
Category

Opus HML Singers: Music Over Time is a heartfelt documentary tracing the impact of the Hialeah-Miami Lakes Singers, a small choir that left an indelible mark on the lives of its high-energy high school members in 1980s Miami. Through intimate interviews with former choir members, the film explores how this artistic group not only cultivated their love for music but shaped their individual journeys long after graduation. As each member reflects on the profound role music played in their personal and professional lives, we witness the transformative power of arts education.

The documentary also addresses the broader importance of arts education in schools, illustrating how access to artistic outlets can deeply influence the development of students. By showcasing the voices of former HML Singers who are now thriving in various careers across the country, the film draws attention to the often-overlooked role that arts funding plays in shaping future leaders and innovators.

From the vibrant streets of Miami to the urban centers of Indianapolis and San Francisco, Opus HML Singers: Music Over Time captures not only a nostalgic portrait of the past but also an urgent call to sustain arts programs in public education. Through the personal stories of choir members, viewers will experience the lifelong impact of creativity and camaraderie fostered through music.

Key Team


  • Director/Producer: Karyl Carlson
  • Consulting Producer: Julie Englander
  • Director of Photography: Aram Velasquez
  • Editor: Brittany Alsop
  • Story Supervisor: Rob Morrison

Locations


  • Miami, Florida: Capture the historical and cultural backdrop of the 1980s. The current music team allows access to the building and current students.
  • Indianapolis, Indiana: Interview former members of the HML Singers who now reside here.
  • San Francisco, California: Further interviews and capturing the impact of the HML Singers on members' current lives.

Selling Points


The film offers several unique selling points that make it an attractive investment for distributors and audiences alike:

  • Involvement of award-winning director Karyl Carlson, whose previous work has earned critical acclaim in both film and arts education.
  • Strong in-built audience through the Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School alumni network and the passionate arts education community.
  • A timely focus on the importance of arts funding, particularly relevant in today’s educational policy debates.
  • The ability to appeal to multiple demographics, from former choir members to educators, policymakers, and documentary lovers.
Shooting Locations
Miami, FL
Indianapolis, IN
San Francisco, CA
Keyword
Choir Music