Thirty high school singers from The Chorus Project will perform at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro on Dec. 17 as part of a benefit concert to support KidZNotes, a Durham-based orchestral music program for low-income students.

A 40-strong chorus of KidZNotes elementary students will open the show. Also on the bill are special guests Chris Stamey of the dBs and Ari Picker of Lost in the Trees, who will play short acoustic sets, as well as two high school bands, The Hidden Keys and The Shy Guys.

The Chorus Project, run by local arts organizer Lauren Hodge, is made up of high school-aged singers from across the Triangle, conducted by Seamus Kenney.

The group has recorded songs including “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M., “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5, “No One’s Gonna Love You” by Band Of Horses and “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire.

The group’s recording of “Everybody Hurts” drew the attention of R.E.M. itself, which posted the video of the Chorus Project’s version on the band’s website and Facebook page.

KidZNotes is an El Sistema-inspired program that transforms the lives of underserved children through classical orchestral music training beginning in early childhood to combat poverty, strengthen inner-city education, and foster positive decision-making to unlock the world.

For more information and to purchase tickets, see catscradle.com.