S.N.O.T. Chamber Orchestra and (Tony Award Honorees) Broadway Inspirational Voices Pay Tribute to Late SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg with Sweet Victory.
In a tribute to Stephen Hillenburg, the late creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, S.N.O.T. Chamber Orchestra (SCO) and Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) combine forces to re-create the epic David Glen Eisley/Bob Kulik anthem Sweet Victory (made famous in the SpongeBob SquarePants episode titled Band Geeks)
Why Sweet Victory?
“Well over 1 million people signed a petition to have the song performed at the last Super Bowl, and well over 1 million people were left disappointed,” said Eli Engelbert (who, along with his co-daytime Emmy nominated siblings Ariel and Zoey Engelbert, founded SCO).
“It is an important song to many in our generation,” explains Ariel. “Our fans are like SpongeBob and his friends — geeks and nerds. And Sweet Victory is our rallying cry!”
Ariel, Zoey, and Eli, self-proclaimed geeks and nerds, have a worldwide, like-minded fanbase exceeding 3.3 million people.
“And when you have a tenor like David Magumba, you can do this song justice it deserves!” adds Marty Gray (Music Director, SCO).
Why the big hair 80s look?
“Cosplay has been a big part of our Internet success,” explains Zoey. “This song has all the makings of a big hair 80s rock anthem and we wanted to do it justice. So wigs were purchased. Not to mention mesh shirts…”
Why Broadway Inspirational Voices?
“We are so blessed to count Michael McElroy as a dear friend. We reached out to him and asked if BIV would help us bring this recording over the top,” adds Zoey. “And Michael being Michael said to count BIV in! The brilliant Tony Award Honorees BIV joined us! How epic is that?”
What BIV has to say:
“BIV was so delighted to take part in this project and collaborate with SCO. We share their affection for this anthem and what it means to the millions who find joy in SpongeBob Squarepants,” says Michael McElroy (Founder, Broadway Inspirational Voices)
What Michael McElroy has to say about Ariel, Zoey & Eli:
“As an artist first and foremost, I love working with the next generation of artists. And you’ll find no better, more exciting, and creative group of artists than Ariel, Zoey and Eli Engelbert!!!!. Not only are they passionate and committed to their artistry, but use their voices to spread messages of acceptance and inclusivity. Most importantly, through their art, they spread the message that all people, young and old need to hear: Be yourself fully and completely! Everyone of us is unique and we should celebrate it every day!” explains Michael McElroy (Founder, Broadway Inspirational Voices)
In addition to the video, the song is available for streaming and download everywhere!
More about S.N.O.T. Chamber Orchestra: Ariel, Zoey and Eli Engelbert, daytime Emmy nominees (outstanding original song) and social media celebrities (3.250,000+ fans and over 125 million views FB.Com/ArielZoeyandEli), created S.N.O.T. Chamber Orchestra (SCO). SCO transforms beloved video game/anime/pop culture music by combining exciting, intricate vocal arrangements (by group members Marty Gray and Zoey Engelbert) with soaring and enchanting electronic compositions (by group member Eli Engelbert). SCO is comprised of Marty Gray (Music Director, Vocal Arranger, Alto), Benton DeGroot (bass/baritone), Hugh Entrekin (baritone), Jackie Cano (Soprano), Daniel Schwartzberg (Tenor), David Magumba (Tenor), George Marshall (Bass), Ariel Engelbert (Soprano), Zoey Engelbert (Alto, Vocal Arranger) and Eli Engelbert (Baritone, Electronic Music Compositions).
Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV), the 2019 Tony Award Honoree for Excellence in Theatre, was formed in 1994 by Tony-nominated Broadway performer Michael McElroy. His vision was to bring inspiration to the Broadway community during a time when the AIDS epidemic had ravaged an entire generation of artists. Over the past twenty-five years, BIV has served the Broadway community whenever needed. In 2007, BIV became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to make it easier to give back to the greater community in service to its mission. Outreach programs are created for children in underserved populations, focusing on BIV’s mission to provide HOPE to INSPIRE and TRANSFORM youth in need through music and the arts. In 2004, BIV was nominated for a Grammy Award for their first holiday CD: Great Joy! A Gospel Christmas. BIV has performed live with Elton John, Mariah Carey, Jason Mraz, Sting, Gloria Estefan, Harry Connick Jr, Patti LuPone, Eartha Kitt, Patti LaBelle, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vanessa Williams, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Heather Headley. BIV has been featured on “The Today Show”, “This Week” with John Oliver, The Miss America Pageant, multiple Tony™ Awards Telecasts, “America’s Got Talent”, and “Late Night” with David Letterman, among others. Over eighty members strong, BIV’s diverse membership has represented over 140 Broadway shows since its inception. For more information – and for ways to DONATE to support its ongoing outreach initiatives – go to www.BIVoices.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @BIVoices.