TLC Launches Documentary Series Focused on the Mentoring Experience of Two Adults in TRIAL BY CHOIR

TLC Launches Documentary Series Focused on the Mentoring Experience of Two Adults in TRIAL BY CHOIR

--Renowned Choral Director Jerome Kyles and Local Youth Counselor Kate Benjamin Attempt to Turn a Diverse Group of Boston Teenagers Into a Choral Ensemble--

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Jerome Kyles quieted naysayers when he was offered the chance to realize his dream of becoming a musician and a vocal instructor at the esteemed Berklee College of Music. Now, it's Jerome's turn to give back. He's taken on the task of mentoring 24 Boston teens with a passion for music -- but varying levels of talent -- and turning them into a traditional choral ensemble in TRIAL BY CHOIR, a six-part documentary series premiering Sunday, November 26 at 10 PM ET/PT on TLC.

Youth counselor Kate Benjamin works side-by-side with Jerome to provide emotional support to these teens -- and her motives for mentoring hit close to home. Kate grew up on the same tough streets that many of these teens did, and found herself a victim of her surroundings. Now, Kate is on a mission to help save these teens from a life that nearly killed her.

Audiences will see the struggles and triumphs that Jerome and Kate face throughout the process of turning this assorted group into a choral ensemble. Many of the teenagers featured in TRIAL BY CHOIR are from Boston's most dangerous and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Having faced violence, poverty and loss from an early age, these teens are at a critical point where they must decide what kind of lives they want to lead.

"Volunteering and giving back to one's community are important topics to our audience," said David Abraham, executive vice president and general manager, TLC. "TRIAL BY CHOIR showcases the highs and lows of a mentoring experience as told through the eyes of two adults who felt called to make a difference in the lives of teenagers. The series also tests the transformational power of music -- how will it impact the lives of Jerome, Kate and the teens?"

Throughout the six-part series, viewers will witness the individual and group transformations of the teens. While all of the teens agree that their experience in TRIAL BY CHOIR was a positive one, they have each faced greatly contrasting outcomes. Since filming wrapped, some of the teens have dropped out of school, battled bouts of homelessness and even served jail time; while others have been granted full-scholarships to prestigious music schools and universities, and continued to pursue their careers.

TRIAL BY CHOIR is not a talent show, and it's not about being a superstar -- the stakes are much higher. As individuals, these teens must learn make the most of their natural voices -- and, together, they must learn how to sing as one chorus. Given a common passion and something to prove to themselves and their communities, Jerome and Kate help some of these teens realize their musical ambitions -- and make a difference in the course of all of their lives.

TRIAL BY CHOIR is produced for TLC by Tigress/Tiger Aspect Productions. For Tigress/Tiger Aspect Productions, David Clair is executive producer. For TLC, Julian Hobbs is executive producer.

TLC is the only television network dedicated to lifelong learning for viewers who want to grow up, not old. Featuring programming that explores life's key transitions and turning points, TLC presents high-quality, relatable and authentic personal stories. TLC connects more than 94 million homes in North America to the human experience with life's lessons you can't learn from books. TLC is a property of Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA)(NASDAQ:DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: TLC

CONTACT: Katie Crockett of TLC, +1-240-662-2707, or
Katie_Crockett@discovery.com

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Hi-resolution photography is available at www.press.discovery.com

-------
Profile: intent