BIG VOICE chronicles a challenging year in the life of a determined public high school choir director as he pushes his students to achieve a high level of artistry and become "one big voice", despite the many obstacles they face. Santa Monica High's Jeffe Huls' passion for the choral arts and music fuels his desire to exceed all standards and expectations. Following a series of competitive auditions, Mr. Huls convenes his dream choir ensemble. But he soon discovers that these 32 teenagers are the most unwieldy group he has ever taught. Some face serious personal or academic issues, while others are simply not prepared for the hard work necessary to achieve the excellence Huls seeks. Huls must convince his students to set aside their problems, conflicts, and teenage angst to achieve the artistry he knows they are capable of. BIG VOICE is as much a story about the transformative power of arts programs in helping students face the many struggles of high school life as it is about choir and music. Despite budget cuts that endanger arts programs everywhere, this committed choir teacher strives to create a vibrant vocal music program that successfully ignites in his students a passion for music, a sense of belonging, and the value of working hard to achieve their dreams as they prepare to step into adulthood. WITH SPECIAL FEATURES Why Join Choir? - 8:03 Choir Girls Aspirations - 2:10 What One Big Voice Feels Like - 3:50 Students on What Makes Mr. Huls an Effective Teacher - 10:00 Mr. Huls on Being a Reflective Teacher - 2:17 Gary Marshall Awards Mr. Huls a Bravo award - 2:25 Mr Huls on Selecting Music - A Gregorian Chant - 2:30 Mr. Huls Conducts Dies Irae - 1:20 Mr. Huls on His Nebraska Roots - 7:07 Please click here for the 83 minute version of this program.