Journey Middle School’s ‘Bella Voce’ Makes Historic Appearance at State Music Conference
MADISON, AL - On January 22, 2026, the Journey Middle School Bella Voce choir made history at the BJCC Theatre in Birmingham, delivering a performance that served as both a musical milestone and a profound message of hope.
The ensemble was selected to perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Professional Development Conference, marking a significant achievement as the first middle school choir from Northern Alabama to receive this honor in over a decade. Additionally, Bella Voce holds the distinction of being the first-ever middle school choral group from Madison City Schools to be invited to this prestigious state-level event.
Directed by Dr. Moreno Mulloy, the choir’s program was built on a foundation of unity and social justice. A centerpiece of the performance was the debut of an original song written by the Journey Jag-Choir students. Through their music, the students explored the courage required to advocate for what is right and just in a modern world, dedicating the performance to the fearless leaders who paved the way for future generations.
The repertoire was chosen not just for its musical excellence, but for its power to inspire personal growth. Zoey, a member of the ensemble, reflected on the experience: "Learning about leaders like Nelson Mandela, Sojourner Truth, and Malala Yousafzai has been my favorite part of preparing for AMEA. The music we performed honors their principles and makes me feel like I can be just as brave as they were. It inspires me to take action and lead with love."
The performance received a warm reception from music educators across the state. Dr. Mulloy hopes the legacy of this performance extends far beyond the stage.
“We were honored to share this stage to inspire educators across the region,” said Dr. Mulloy. “Our goal is for the members of Bella Voce and our audience to leave feeling empowered to carry lessons of love, tolerance, kindness, and courage into their daily lives to make the world a better place. For us, this song is more than just music; it is our promise to the future.”
By carrying the unity and kindness found in the Journey Middle School choir room into the world, these students are already working to create a legacy of positive impact and lasting change.