Classical Crossover Musical Group Sons of Serendip

Instrumentals and vocal talent meet each other in an inspiring and contemporary mix of sound from Sons of Serendip. The group features Micah Christian, Kendall Ramseur, Mason Morton, and Cordaro Rodriguez and as they share, the founding of their group was anything but accidental. I spoke to them about their musical adventures so far and their latest release Mosaic.

Natasha: Your group has a very refreshing modern sound that is grounded by the classic instrumentals. Was there anyone who influenced you in creating the sound that is“Sons of Serendip today?

Cordaro: It would be difficult for me to find someone that I can definitively say influenced our signature sound. I initially thought our sound was the natural byproduct of putting a harp, cello, piano, and a singer together. But I’ve since learned that isn’t necessarily the case. I once heard another quartet perform with the same instrumentation and it sounded nothing like what we do. So, I’m now led to believe that our sound is born from something less articulable. There is an interaction of pain, yearning, and hope in what we create. It’s almost as if our music is saying to someone, “I know it hurts; I can feel it. Here, maybe this will help.”  These sentiments are timeless, and so our music might always feel modern–speaking to what we all experience now–and yet classic–speaking to what humanity has always experienced. Who influenced our sound? Everyone who said you’re good enough, and not good enough. Everyone who cried over or laughed at our music. Everyone who said “never change” or “maybe try this.” Anyone who has meaningfully crossed each of our paths for better or worse probably has shaped the sound of the music we create.

Natasha: What is the story behind your group name Sons of Serendip?

Micah: We wanted a name that resonated with how the group came together. We researched a number of words, and serendipity was one that stood out. When we looked in the history of the word, we learned that it comes from a 12th century Persian tale, “The Three Princes of Serendip.” In this tale, three princes go on a journey and make discoveries by accident that benefit their lives. That’s kind of how we came together as a group. We weren’t looking to become a group; it fell into our laps while we pursued other dreams, and it has definitely benefited our lives.

Natasha: You each have very unique stories of how you ended up at Boston University (and therefore meeting each other). Tell us a little bit about your journeys.’

Mason: My journey to Boston came full circle. I began the harp in my hometown of Atlanta, Georgia from the recommendation of my chorus teacher, Roselyn Lewis at age twelve. I had the privilege of studying with principal harpist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Elisabeth Remy Johnson and principal harpist of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Nella Rigell. I then went to Houston, Texas where I graduated from Rice University with a B.M. in harp performance from Paula Page. Upon graduation, it was suggested that I study with Ann Hobson Pilot in Boston for my MM in Harp. It is often thought best to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from different places of higher learning.

Fortunately, I already knew Mrs. Pilot from her giving me my first master class at age twelve. We worked well together then, so I thought it would be wise to study with her ten years later in graduate school.  Being aware of her legacy, I also thought it would be an honor to study with the first African-American woman to play principal in any major US orchestra.

 After being accepted into BU, I was ready for Boston! However, I did wait until one week before school started to find housing. Fortunately, I had a friend that knew of a place off- campus that had housing. Just one room left. When I arrived, the door opened and I met another future BU alum. But who did I see down the hall?  Who would become my first roommate and friend in Boston? Kendall Ramseur. We quickly became friends from our both being students in the College of Fine Arts at BU and having similar backgrounds coming from the south. One year later, Cordaro moved in. Those were wonderful times. In one place was three- quarters of what would become Sons of Serendip! We were almost complete. I later met Micah in 2012 through Cordaro, and from seeing him at the library. He always had his head in a book.

 Micah: After graduating from undergrad, music was not the first path I wanted to follow. I knew that I wanted music to be a part of my life in some capacity, but I didn’t expect it to become my career. I spent a year as a volunteer in Honduras. Once I returned stateside, I spent my days working as a paraprofessional in a special need’s classroom and my afternoons and evenings working at a nearby Boys & Girls Club. About halfway through the school year, I decided to apply for Teach for America (TFA), and my plan B was to study at Boston University School of Theology. To my surprise, I was accepted to both TFA and BU, and I had a couple of weeks to make a decision. It eventually came down to the final day, when I received a call from a TFA representative, who shared that something within her made her feel that I belonged at Boston University.

 Cordaro: At Princeton, my pre-law advisor recommended that I apply to Boston College Law School. I took her advice but made a serendipitous mistake. I applied to Boston University School of Law. I didn’t even know there was a difference until after I enrolled and started attending classes. The realization occurred to me one day while riding the street train (the Green Line), on my way to class. I noticed that the final destination of the train was “Boston College,” yet my actual stop was nowhere near the end of the Green Line. Confused, I went through some old emails and saw that my advisor had recommended Boston College, not Boston University. That small mistake set me on course to meet Micah, and reunite with my childhood friend, Kendall.

 Kendall: My journey to Boston went into motion after I auditioned for Boston University’s graduate program for Music Performance with a concentration in cello. I’d heard a lot about the university’s music program as well as one of the cello professors, Marc Johnson, former member of the Vermeer String Quartet. So I flew to Boston to have a lesson with Marc. His approach to the cello was amazing, and I felt like I connected with his teaching style immediately. So I auditioned for the master’s program and for his studio. Both were a success, and I headed to Boston from North Carolina that Fall. When I arrived, one of my first roommates was Mason Morton. We connected instantly both having similar backgrounds in music and being from the south. Then to my surprise, I discovered my childhood friend Cordaro Rodriguez was living in Boston, and on top of that, he was also attending Boston University. One year later, he moved in with Mason and me in Cambridge, MA. Those were some of my fondest memories. I later met Micah Christian through Cordaro and the rest is history.

Natasha: Kendall, I love the story of how you came to choose the cello. Can you share it with us and how that freedom impacted your musical journey later in life?

Kendall: When I was in elementary school, my music teacher placed all the stringed instruments on the floor and asked each student to pick which instrument they wanted to play. I remember going through each instrument and thinking okay, the violin is a little too screechy, the double bass was too large, and I would probably struggle to get it on the school bus, the cello is perfect! Its tone and resemblance to the human voice drew me in. Soon after I chose the cello, my school took all of its music students on a field trip to hear cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform the Schumann Cello Concerto with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. I remember sitting there in awe, hearing how he used the cello to express himself was absolutely amazing, and that was the day that I decided to make the cello my instrument of choice for self-expression and story-telling.

Natasha: Micah, as a freshman you became part of the a cappella group Hyannis Sound. How did that help you develop into the vocalist you are today?

Micah: Those summers were some of the most important learning experiences for me as a vocalist. I was surrounded by nine incredibly talented vocalists from all over the country, and we performed 90-100 concerts per summer. It was like a vocal bootcamp, and it helped me develop a solid foundation to build on.

Natasha: Mason, your bio mentions the importance of your mentor’s belief in you. Share some of the special moments that helped give you the confidence to pursue your dreams professionally.

 Mason: I believe mentors are very important. Nella Rigell is one of them. She always encouraged me to share my gift with the world. To take a chance. I will always remember when this served me well. It was an audition, which took place behind a screen, that I wanted to win to play the Ginastera Variations. While I did not get the part, the comments I received will last a lifetime. Ann Hobson Pilot really helped to give me confidence to pursue my dreams professionally through our weekly lessons where she would give musical and life wisdom. She also invited me to many of her concerts where we would chat even more and she would share some mantras such as: “There is no such thing as can’t, “This to Shall Pass”, and do your best. This truly benefited me over the years. Those words gave me the confidence to play live radio for WGBH in Boston. Mrs. Pilot said, “Every note was right!”  That gave me the confidence to aim for more professional opportunities. It served me well as I went to perform briefly for CBS Sunday Morning, and ultimately audition before our nation on America’s Got Talent with Sons of Serendip.

Natasha: Cordaro, you began music so early and then went on to study Law. What inspired you to make that career change at that moment in time?

Cordaro: Law school was my initial goal as early as middle school. While I truly loved music, I didn’t really believe I could make a living as a musician. But I kept at it because I enjoyed it so much and people around me encouraged it. After law school, I only practiced law for a year. The real career change occurred when I ended up on America’s Got Talent with Sons of Serendip. After that, things advanced so quickly with the Sons that the idea of returning to law did not seem to make sense. I was doing what I loved to do.

Natasha: It seems like most of you have taught music (Cordaro at the age of 10!) so how does having that teacher’s background add to the dynamic of your group and how you work together?

Kendall: To be honest, I have never thought about this, but I think our teaching backgrounds help us to be patient with each other when working out our musical parts. We all understand the creative process and the fragility of the creative process. Keeping this in mind, we all try to be supportive of each other and open to ideas. Music is so subjective, and there is never one right way of doing things.

Natasha: Micah and Cordaro you’ve both spent significant time sharing your gifts in other countries. How did that change your worldview when you came back and even your goals for Sons of Serendip?

Micah: I spent two years volunteering in Central and South America and a month in Calcutta, India. These experiences stretched me and were crucial for my personal growth. I learned a lot about resilience, community, and service. I also gained a deeper sense of calling and a better understanding of how to show love across cultural boundaries. These experiences have informed my approach to music, making it less about fame, and more about creating musical experiences that help make people’s lives a little better, even if just for a moment.

 Cordaro: I spent a summer in El Salvador while in undergrad and taught English in Ecuador for a year right before law school. In both instances, the thing that helped me immediately integrate into each community was music. I played the piano or guitar for some of the churches and would jam with my host family and new friends. Even though I wasn’t completely fluent in Spanish, I was able to commune with everyone through music. For me, it was a case study in the uniting power of music; it transcends language and culture.

Natasha: What have been some of your most memorable performances to date?

Mason: We have done quite a number of performances. This question is hard! So I will choose two. For me, our performance in Guelph, Canada is very memorable. I don’t recall the name of the venue, but the stage was magnificent! The lighting, the audience, and everything about this show was so well put together that it felt like being on NBC and America’s Got Talent again. Additionally, I think all of us were grateful to be alive to play this one after not long surviving our encounter with a bull moose! My other memorable performance would be in Barbados. This was fun because it was the first time we performed internationally. This performance took place downtown in a square for an event. The beaches, the food, and the people were fantastic. Would love to go back there!

Cordaro: Honestly, I have a terrible memory. But the one performance I could never forget was our first one on the stage of America’s Got Talent. I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. But as soon as we walked onto the stage where our instruments were placed, the crowd erupted in applause. They were so for us and we hadn’t even played a note. Perhaps they were surprised when they saw us. But whatever the reason, it gave me enough confidence to perform and never forget the experience.

Kendall: My most memorable performance would have to be performing at Radio City Music Hall for America’s Got Talent (NBC). The opportunity to be able to perform on a stage where so many icons have performed, was extremely humbling. It was beyond what I could ever have imagined to perform in front of thousands of people, and then millions of viewers through television. There was so much support while we were performing before and after the performance. It was on that stage that we discovered that we were meant to be a group, and were meant to bring comfort, encouragement, and healing to our nation, and ultimately the world.

Micah: During the summer of 2014, our first paid performance as Sons of Serendip was at a local nursing home. It was our most difficult performance for a couple of reasons. First, I forgot all the cords for the equipment, so I had to sing on a karaoke machine, while Cordaro played on a child’s keyboard. Secondly, because we had been preparing for America’s Got Talent, all we knew were shortened versions of the songs, so we ran out of material. Trying to fill up the time that day became a complete circus act. It was a disaster. lol Nonetheless, after the performance, we went to celebrate at McDonald’s, and we began to dream about what we hoped to see in our future as a group. One of the dreams that came up that night was that, one day, we wanted the opportunity to perform with orchestras. Exactly one year later, we were invited to perform with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops for the 4th of July celebration in Boston, MA. It was unreal. That moment was special because it was a reminder that dreams really can come true. 

Natasha: Tell us about your latest album “Mosaic” and your approach to crossing over through various genres.

 Micah: “Mosaic” is our most creative and personal album, yet, as eight out of the fifteen songs on the album are originals. Much of this album was recorded while we were in quarantine, so many of the covers were songs that capture the spirit of our time. And the originals shared more about our personal stories of love and hope.

 When we approach an arrangement, Cordaro will usually lay down the structure, and from there, through improvisation, we build an arrangement that we’re excited about. Each of us has had a variety of musical influences, which make their way into our arrangements and compositions. The name, “Mosaic,” we believe would capture the variety of influences and stories that you’ll hear throughout the album.

“Mosaic” is available to purchase from Son of Serendip’s official website. We look forward to seeing what else the group will produce in the future!