The University of Arkansas Schola Cantorum recently released their newest single, "2020: Alone Together" on the UA Choral Studies YouTube channel.

The work is unique in many ways. The words were composed as a group through several Zoom sessions, the original melodies were individually improvised and created apart from the others, and finally layered together like a musical puzzle. 

And – due to the constraints of COVID-19  – the choir completed nearly the entire project remotely.

"When their improvisations started coming in, it was heart wrenching to listen to the students sing their truth," said Stephen Caldwell, director of the Schola Cantorum. "Their music is the literal sound of the pandemic. One can hear so clearly how this past year has affected them, and how their hope for a resolution is strong enough to support each other during this difficult time."

Caldwell said the members of the Schola Cantorum, which is housed in the Department of Music, hope this music might give some comfort to other students on campus who are also feeling the pain of loss and loneliness during this period of isolation.

"We see you. Stay true. Change is coming," he added.