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Sandy Hook Students and Ingrid Michaelson Record "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to Benefit Newtown

by Bruna Nessif Tue., Jan. 15, 2013 8:08 PM PST

Ingrid Michaelson, Good Morning America, Newton

Debra L Rothenberg/Getty Images

This story will hit you right in the heart.

A number of young children who survived the horrendous tragedy that struck Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., a month ago, have gotten together with singer Ingrid Michaelson to record a song for charity.

The group appeared on Good Morning America today to perform their rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and to give a little back story on how this all came together.

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"So many of the students came to me the day of the tragedy, the day after the tragedy. And all I could see in their eyes, and you know, from what they were telling me is 'How do we help'?," local music school owner Sabrina Post told GMA during an interview.

So 21 kids met up at the home of Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz, from the legendary rock band Talking Heads, to record a song in hopes of raising money for charity.

"I thought, well, you know, even if it makes these kids who have been through so much, if it brings them and afternoon of joy and excitement then that's what I can do, then that's what I'll do," Michaelson said, "I think there's nothing more hopeful than hearing children's voices in unison all together. So yeah, I think people will feel that way, I hope so."

Kayla Verga, 10, said she sang the song for her friend, 6-year-old Jessica Rekos, who died the day of the shooting, adding, "Singing the song makes me feel like she's with me and she's beside me, singing along with me."

The recording is now available on Amazon.com and iTunes.com. All proceeds will go to the Newtown Youth Academy and the United Way of Western Connecticut.

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