Do you believe in coincidence? The Sons of Serendip definitely do. These four men—through “coincidences”—found each other and created one of the hottest pop music groups around.

The four-man band blends classical instruments with pop songs to create memorable performances. The group was a finalist on America’s Got Talent’s (AGT) ninth season. Though they were sent home from the TV show, they went on to become one of the most popular groups in music today.

According to lead singer Micah Christian, AGT was their big break. All of the men were attending Boston University (BU).

“The audition was our first performance together,” Christian said. “I called the guys and asked if they’d be interested.”

They went into the audition intending to have fun and simply see what happened.

By the time the competition’s finals rolled around, they wanted to win, so going home stung a little. But Christian credits it for the band’s start.

They chose from a number of interested agencies and managers and used crowdfunding to produce their first album independently.

A livelihood they love

All four grew up in musical households. Christian studied classical vocal music in order to learn voice and breathing techniques. Cordaro Rodriguez taught himself to play piano at age 10 and now plays several other instruments. Kendall Ramseur picked up the cello also at age 10 when the orchestra director laid all the instruments out on the floor and told them to pick the one that spoke to them. Mason Morton didn’t know what a harp was until someone offered to teach him how to play it. Since then, they have all created a livelihood they love.

The group’s name reflects the serendipitous choices that brought them all to BU. Christian had to choose between accepting an offer to work with Teach for America (TFA) or study theology. On the day his decision was due, the TFA recruiter told him that something within her said he should go to the university.

Ramseur spent an evening in prayer to decide which graduate school offer to accept, and the next morning, a voice whispered, “Boston University.” Morton’s harp teacher at Rice University in Houston sent him to study under her former mentor, a graduate instructor at BU. Rodriguez’s pre-law instructor suggested he study at Boston College, but Rodriguez mistakenly applied to Boston University.

Their faith drives their lives, and they rely on it to take them where they need to be. They’re also big on being of service. Christian spent time volunteering to teach English and physical education in Honduras. He and his wife, Jocelyn, did similar work in Peru. Rodriguez spent a year teaching English in Ecuador, also as a volunteer.

The group believes their success is due to creating music differently, thanks to Rodriguez’s arrangements.

“We try to create an experience in concerts so the audience feels like we’re sharing a moment together,” said Christian.

Share this unique concert experience with Sons of Serendip when they perform in Grand Junction this month!

See them live!

Sons of Serendip

March 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Grand Junction High School auditorium

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual event tickets can be purchased for $25 for adults

if seats are available. For more information, visit www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or call 243-1979.

NOTE: For those of you who held on to your Rockapella tickets after the canceled December concert, the group will perform at GJHS on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m.

Win tickets from the BEACON!

Email [email protected] or mail your name and phone number along with this article to:

BEACON Senior News,

PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

You will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see Sons of Serendip at Grand Junction High School.

Winners will be notified by Wednesday, March 11.

Congratulations to Sharon Tinsman,

last month’s winner of 2 tickets to The Association!