2012-2013 Annual Report
Mission Statement Sister Cities Girlchoir builds communities of music makers that empower girls to occupy their unique position in creating a better world.Â
Board of Directors Julianne Baird Professor of Music Rutgers-Camden University Karin Coger Attorney Law Offices of Styliades, Jackson & Burghardt Fran Connolly former Director of Human Resources William Penn School District Stacey Cruise Chief Executive Officer American Paradigm Schools Carol Frazier Education Manager Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Tom Knoche  Part-Time Lecturer, Urban Studies Rutgers-Camden University
Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG) is the El Sistema-inspired, social change initiative that employs musical study and the related benefits as an anti-poverty intervention in chronically low-income communities in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. SCG builds communities of music makers that empower at-risk girls to occupy their unique position in creating a better world. Youth participants at regional sites in low-income communities build critical soft skills for school and life success and gain access to a quality, tuition-free music education program with a shared bottom line of musical excellence and positive youth development.
Elizabeth Okakpu American Paradigm Schools City Year Alumnae Dolores Redfearn Retired Educator Victoria Visconto Educator Kencrest Services, Inc. Andrea Walls Student Rutgers-Camden University
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2012-2013 Teaching Artist Team
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From Our Founder
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The Girlchoir Movement Model
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SCG Social Change Goals
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Pilot Year Results
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Top 10 Performances
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Top 10 Trips
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Top 10 Special Guests
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In the News
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Finance
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Community Partners
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Donors and Supporters
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2012-2013 Teaching Artist Team Music Teaching Artists Alysia Lee Sistema Fellow at New England Conservatory; Peabody Conservatory, Vocal Performance, M.M; Teaching Artist, Bloomingdale School of Music and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Roster Artist, Opus Nine Ensemble Adrienne Bishop Instructor, Settlement School of Music, Opera Company of Philadelphia Professional Chorus, Westminster Choir College, Music Education, B.M. Jason Snyder West Chester University, M.M. Choral Conducting John Gilmour Director of Music, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; Temple University, M.M. Music Education Jessica Peyton Founder, New Brunswick Music Camp for underprivileged children; Rutgers University, Music Education, B.M. Carli Visconti Temple University, Vocal Performance and Music Education, B.M. Kendra Balmer Music Teacher, Universal Charter School; Temple University, Music Education, B.M. Karen Pendergrass former Principal Dancer, Philadanco
Dance Teaching Artists
Sherrita Moore African and Caribbean Folk Dance
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FROM OUR FOUNDER Dear friends: It is hard to believe that one year ago, Sister Cities Girlchoir was only a vision. I had a vision that we could embolden adolescent girls to build stronger communities with the power of music and sisterhood at the root. I met musicians, educators, funders and school administrators that caught hold of my vision and helped it to grow. What a difference a year makes! Sister Cities Girlchoir had an incredible first year! The Girls have learned songs from a dozen countries, made countless new friends, and heard live music performances all over the region (many for the first time!). The Girls graced the airways of WHYY, and the pages of The Philadelphia Inquirer. We hosted visitors from Boston, New York, and all the way from Juneau, Alaska. Our year culminated in the Spring with a joint concert with Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Singers in Center City, Philadelphia. It has been quite a ride! Girls are the most powerful force for change on the planet. SCG gives our Girls have the opportunity to join a musical community designed uniquely to unleash their potential as catalysts of change. SCG provides a safe-space for girls from low-income communities to build resilience, leadership, mastery and connection through the arts. Did you know that Chorus America reports that high-arts, low-income youth are THREE times as likely to earn a Masters degree than their low-arts peers? The arts are such a powerful tool! We are proud to relay that our student evaluations show our Girls are indeed on the right track to becoming college-educated, leaders in their communities--our vision for girl empowerment through music is working. Sister Cities Girlchoir is a movement. It's about leveraging the unique potential of adolescent girls to end poverty for themselves, their families, their communities, their countries and the world. It's about making girls visible and changing their social and economic dynamics by providing them with specific, powerful and relevant resources. Thank you to everyone that has supported the Girlchoir by attending a concert, matchmaking us with wonderful volunteers, donating professional concert tickets, leading a Pilates class, chopping fruits and veggies for snacks, chaperoning a trip, donating money, buying a ‘Raise Your Voice’ t-shirt, folding programs, or joining us for early mornings on Super Saturdays. Your support made this year possible, and we have only just begun! Sincerely, IF YOU CHANGE THE PROSPECTS OF AN ADOLESCENT GIRL ON A BIG ENOUGH SCALE, YOU WILL TRANSFORM SOCIETIES. --MARK LOWCOCK, DFID P E R M A N E N T S E C R E TA RY
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The Girlchoir Movement Model SCG combines two powerful, research-based strategies for positive youth development, El Sistema and The Girl Effect.
What is the El Sistema? El Sistema is Venezuela’s monumental music for social change program. There is a network of over 500 music schools across the country, where 400,000 children, most of them living below the poverty line, are learning to play and sing together. Sistema is designed to cultivate social change and nurture promising futures in underserved communities through an intensive, ensemble-focused music education. Sistema has grown into a global movement, with programs launched in 25 countries and in
What is the Girl Eect? When a girl completes her education, learns healthy habits, and builds new skills, she is more likely to delay pregnancy until adulthood, have fewer and healthier children, and earn a higher income. When given the chance to grow into a woman and become an educated mother, an economic asset, an ambitious entrepreneur, or a prepared employee, she breaks the cycle of poverty for herself and sets new preventative factors in place for approaching generation of children in her family and her community.
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In light of the central challenge of widespread, chronic poverty faced by the target communities of Camden, West Philadelphia and Kensington--SCG provides an intensive, girl-specific music program that aims to address and alleviate the IGT of poverty and the accompanying high-risk behaviors of academic failure, juvenile delinquency, adolescent pregnancy, and civic disengagement. While a music program is an unusual anti-poverty intervention, SCG contains the elements of strong girl-specific, youth development programming and the elements of quality music education programming that have been shown, independently, through research to improve youth outcomes that will indeed diminish high-risk behaviors and promote a shift in engagement in youth populations. SCG has three regional sites in the following locations: NEW JERSEY LEAP University Charter School, Camden PHILADELPHIA Memphis Street Academy, Kensington Mastery Charter School, Harrity Elementary School, West Philadelphia SCG provides a weekly designated safe space for girls where participants can build supportive social networks; develop academic skills, and foster healthy habits while fully engaged in a choral training academy. During the afterschool gap, girls receive tuition-free choral training for 32 weeks from September to May. The pilot program launched in September 2012, with 30 middle school girls at three community sites (total of 90 girls) and expands in the 2013-2014 Season to serve three additional community sites and more than 200 children. SCG sites are school communities where at least 85% of the student population is eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. The structural goal is to build a pipeline of music education and positive youth development, offering programming for participants from Kindergarten through middle school at several regional sites and to launch a central high school program in Fall 2014. The high school program will also offer economic opportunity to student participants in the form of part-time Teaching Assistant positions. SCG also offers monthly Super Saturdays programming to unite participants from the diverse regional sites for music rehearsal, guest visits, and student-led activities. SCG partner, Socially Savvy leads workshops on public speaking and contemporary etiquette. Opera Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Singers have supplied visits from their Teaching Artist roster to provide workshops on vocal production. Additionally, each Super Saturday culminates with a free community performance. Page 7
SCG Social Change goals
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PILOT YEAR RESULTS • 100% of Coro Kensington @ Memphis Street Academy singers report an increase in our short-term benchmarks towards our long-term goals of college matriculation, highrisk abstinence, civic engagement, and a positive self-concept. The Girls reported an increase in the following skills that they attributed to their participation in the program: • problem solving confidence, • sense of purpose, • friendship skills, and • teamwork skills. Results from the Youth Outcomes Battery, a tested assessment tool developed by Jim Sibthorp and Gary Ellis of the American Camp Association. • In May 2013, SCG partnered with Opera Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Singers(TPS) to produce a free community performance of Vivaldi’s GLORIA in Center City, Philadelphia. Roster Artists from the Opera performed all of the solo excerpts and TPS sang side-by-side with the Girlchoir for two selections. • SCG formed strong partnerships with Opera Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Singers. Both institutions represent the very finest in vocal performance in the region. The partnerships include free season tickets, site visits from Roster Artists, and a Spring collaborative performance. Youth participants also benefited from free ticket donations from the Mendelssohn Club, Astral Artists, Kimmel Center, Education Department, and Broadway Dreams.
• SCG indirectly served over 7500 people in the region through thirteen free community performances and twelve private performances for community partners. The Girlchoir performed for President George Bush, the City Council of Philadelphia and other notable persons.
• SCG was selected by Take A Stand(TAS), an initiative of the LA Philharmonic and Bard College as a site for their Fall 2012 Teaching Artist training series. TAS provided 12 hours of professional development on site for SCG Teaching Artist staff free of charge.
• SCG Founder, Alysia Lee was selected as a Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Emerging Leader—a cohort of emerging leaders in arts, environment and media from the New Jersey area.
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TOP 10 PERFORMANCES
SCG performed for audiences throughout the region this year! SCG presents a free community concert series in our three target communities. The Girlchoir also was in high demand for private performances. Here are our Top 10 performances of the season!
#1. Spring Finale: Vivaldi’s Gloria in collaboration with Opera Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Singers, and Rocco Fiorentino http://scgvivaldi2013.tumblr.com #2. Performing for President George Bush at the PGA/First Tee Gala http://tinyurl.com/msyonc2 #3. Mt. Airy Art Garage’s International Women’s Day Celebration http://tinyurl.com/ll37m33 #4. Knight Foundation sponsored Random Act of Culture with Opera Philadelphia at 30th Street Station http://youtu.be/7OF7jXNIBjI #5. National Association of University Women Brunch http://nauwbrunch2013.tumblr.com #6. Union League Holiday Party http://scgunionleague2012.tumblr.com #7. Women Helping Women, hosted by Harriet Young http://tinyurl.com/mdoqd95 #8. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s Annual Warmth in Winter Holiday Celebration #9. BookMates Volunteer Appreciation Reception Cherry Hill, NJ #10. MUSIC Fest http://musicfest2012.tumblr.com
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Thanks to the generosity of our partners, Opera
TOP 10 TRIPS
Philadelphia and The Philadelphia Singers and more-SCG was able to attend many live musical performances throughout the region. And we even got to take a few trips that were just for fun! Here are our Top 10 trips of the season!
#1. Kimmel Center presents Sweet Honey in the Rock http://tinyurl.com/mux7tdb #2. Astral Artists, Inspired by the Spiritual http://tinyurl.com/ls4p2dj #3. Visit to Opera Company of Philadelphia’s La Boheme http://tinyurl.com/ld3z2f8 #4. The Mendelssohn Club presents Trinity: Moran and Bruckner http://tinyurl.com/m3yd2lz #5. Visit to Opera Philadelphia’s Silent Night http://tinyurl.com/lccdnn8 #6. The Philadelphia Singers: Alexander Nevsky 6. #7. Super Saturdays http://tinyurl.com/l7ow77e #8. Roller Skating at Cherry Hill Skating Rink http://tinyurl.com/kq5jwes #9. Kimmel Center, Simon Bolivar Orchestra 7. #10. Girls Action Network Youth Leadership Conference at Temple University
8.
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TOP 10 SPECIAL GUESTS
This year we had many distinguished guests visit our program and share their talents--be it musical or otherwise--with the Girls!
#1. Rocco Fiorentino Visits Harrity http://tinyurl.com/kwluydr 1. #2. Hilary Brennan, Socially Savvy http://tinyurl.com/l7ow77e #3. Opera Philadelphia Teaching Artists http://youtu.be/jc7641VYxwA 4. #4. The Philadelphia Singers, Assistant Conductor Brian Schkeeper http://youtu.be/tVFrhn29lGY 5. #5. New England Conservatory’s 4th Sistema Fellows cohort 6. #6. Take A Stand, Lorrie Heagy visit http://tinyurl.com/kk8onwh #7. WHYY reporter, Mary CummingsJordan http://tinyurl.com/scgwhyyoct2012 7. #8. World-renowned soprano, Julianne Baird http://tinyurl.com/msvmlso 8. #9. Pilates with Janet Tech 9. #10. Mom’s Quit Smoking Prevention Program http://tinyurl.com/lv7jj2d
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In the News
Singers from Philadelphia and Camden build rela5onships November 13, 2012 By Sally Friedman Young vocalists from Philadelphia, Camden create promising musical rela5onship through Sister Ci5es Girlchoir ”By the Moorestown evening’s end, there was better understanding of what a Sister Cities Girlchoir can mean to pre-teen and teen girls in underserved areas, and how Philadelphia and Camden are coming together to raise their voices in harmony.” http://tinyurl.com/scgcouriernov2012
Sister Ci5es choir unites Camden, West Philly and Kensington girls October 26, 2012 By Mary Cummings-‐Jordan "I've seen girls stand a little prouder, walk a little taller, care for each other and support each other," says Stacey Cruise, American Paradigm Schools CEO. Even though it's early days, she's already seeing a difference. http://tinyurl.com/scgwhyyoct2012
Looking for girls that like to sing May 3, 2012 By Kevin Riordan The choir is a venue, Lee says, for music “to serve the people who need it the most. It gives children a chance to add beauty and grace to their lives, and to see the strength of their collective voice.” http://tinyurl.com/scgphlinqmay2012
May 3, TED Prize Blog Sistema Choirs: Collabora5on, Excellence & Passion
“A choir is a phenomenal model of collaboration. Singers are encouraged to produce their best work, individually and collectively.” http://tinyurl.com/scgtedmay2012 Page 13
Finance Community) Performances) 2%)
2012$2013&Expenses& Meals)and)Snacks) 2%)
Student) Learning) Supplies) 11%) Student) Transporta,on) 12%) Teaching)Ar,sts) 50%) Administra,on) 23%)
*Teaching Artists includes sta teaching hours and professional development hours.
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Community Partners
LEAP Academy University Charter School
Good Lad Children’s Clothing
Astral Artists Kimmel Center, Inc.; Education Department Socially Savvy/http://www.sociallysavvynj.com Philly Transportation, LLC The Mendelssohn Club National Alliance of El Sistema Inspired Programs
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Donors and Supporters Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Sister Cities Girlchoir launched in September 2012 in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. $50,000 and up
$25,000 and up
$5,000 and up Jane Davis Harriet Young $2,500-$4,999 Stacey Cruise Alfred and Mary Douty Foundation Henry and Anne Reich Family Foundation, Hilary Reich Union Benevolent Association $500-$2,499 Bucks County Women's Chorus Elaine Greenspan Joan Kozarsky Elisabeth Teller $250-$499 Jane & Jeffrey Bulman Elaine Galman Kimberly Hadden Thomas Knoche Dolores Redfearn Emily Tisch Sussman, Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund Elizabeth Ventura
$100-$249 Julianne Baird Patricia Basthemer Jarvis Benson Dr. Bonita Blazer Michael Bly Meredith & Seth Broder Fran Connoly Gayle Coopersmith Gold Gerstein Group Judith Goldman Linda Hamilton Hal Harper Elinor Hecht Gail Lipstein Dr. Yelena Litvinenko Donna Miller, St. Georges UMC Gloria McGilberry Christine Pulliam Eric Ranelletti Lisa Reich Scott Roewer Kristina Schliesman Mary Frances Schnorr Gerald Schreiber Foundation Faith & Tyler Scriven Susanah Zimmerman up to $99 Anonymous Jennifer Austin Louis & Heather Acher Jena Appolon Lorrayne Baird Lange Derek Basthemer Tyanisa Bell-Davis Eliza Broder Aisha Bowden and David France Elyse Caudill Forrest Clift Karin Coger Trina Cook Megan D'Ariano Julie Lockwood Davis Liz Diamond Sue Edelman Scott Ettinger Mitchell Ferguson Colleen Fischer Ben Fuller Michele Gariepy Page 16
Annette Gaudino David Gracia-Beltran Gail Gormley The Handlon Family Jose Herstrada Virginia Hecker Stephanie Hsu Laura Jekel Jennifer Kessler Elsje Kibler-Vermaas Jon Knoll Katherine Kruller Sherrona Lawrence Zollie Lee, Jr. Jennifer Lerner Joan Lleneza Jenn Long Katy Luo Kristine Magargee Tiedra Marshall Caitlin Mawhinney Colleen McC Avi Mehta Meryl Melnikoff Jenn Mercier Eric B. Miller Justin Moniz Katie Moore Mary Murphy Amy Ojerholm Omega Psi Phi Inc. Nu Upsilon Chapter, Wilmington, DE Albert Oppenheimer Amy Oppenheimer Delia Raab-Snyder Yolanda Ransom Paisley Richard Barry Robinson Judith Ruttenberg Sheryl Samter Elizabeth Schurgin Megan D'Ariano Carole Shea Chelsea Shelton Ken Skresz Debbie & Duane Smith Soul Ink Standard Tap Eden Stone Dr. Christopher Thomas Thread Makes Blanket Press
Matthew Truss The Vega Family Victoria Visconto Andrea Walls Arline Walls Stephen Walls Jeffrey Waters Krystal Watson Nneka White Sherron Williamson Michael Wright
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Sister Cities Girlchoir PO Box 15277 Philadelphia, PA 19125 Phone: 909.4SISTER www.SisterCitiesGirlchoir.org Email: info@SisterCitiesGirlchoir.org Blog: sistercitiesgirlchoir.wordpress.com Facebook: SisterCitiesGirlchoir Twitter: @SCGirlchoir Pinterest: SisterCities Girlchoir Instagram: scgirlchoir YouTube: Sister Cities Girlchoir
