As a father with a small child, COVID was not easy. Children like mine suffered in a way that, quite frankly, I’m starting to feel could have been avoided. Francisco J. Núñez’s documentary, This Time Round, is the story of the popular Young People’s Chorus of New York City when it was forced to shut down at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When everyone was forced into lockdown, the program director and staff were concerned about the well-being of their students. The choir’s artistic director and director of this film, Francisco J. Núñez felt that it was important to stay in contact with the children and encourage them to sing. This Time Round documents Núñez’s journey.
During the pandemic, Núñez contacted well-known composers (mostly from New York) to create pieces…rounds. Rounds are a musical term for a song that features the repetition of a single phrase. The composers reflected on single moments of time a young person experienced during lockdown. Then Núñez orchestrated and conducted these pieces, featuring nearly 600 children between the ages of eight and eighteen.
As each piece (15 in total) is performed, the segment opens with either the composer discussing their particular piece or Núñez profiling a particular child and his/her family. As the piece is performed, it is supported visually with a collage of images of family and play from the featured child’s life.
The first song, written by Sam Adler, explores the “life-changing” concept of harmony, which is the blending of distinct sounds (notes) to create something beautiful. As individuals, we blend together for the benefit of one another.
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“…it was important to stay in contact with the children and encourage them to sing.”
This Time Round covers two years of the pandemic, from the first lockdown to the second year when we’re just beginning to emerge and reconnect physically. Towards the end, we will hear from the children’s perspective about their experience in social isolation and what they learned about themselves.
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard choral music. If you’re a fan, This Time Round will be a treat to behold—more to be heard. Each piece performed by the choir presents rich harmonies, and each song is unique and never feels repetitive.
In the film, the structure repeats itself like a round. The composer reflects on their piece while it is played alongside clips of the children or a featured child, and images of an empty New York City. The film ends with the children’s thoughts on the subject.
During the pandemic, many of us became introspective and focused on ourselves. This Time Round takes an in-depth look at the thoughts and experiences of children during this challenging period. Some faced difficult experiences, while others tragically lost loved ones. I found it valuable to hear how the young people reflected on their experiences.
Years from now, we’ll all reflect on This Time Round as an art piece. It’s the artistic expression of adult and child artists reflecting on one of the most difficult points in human history.