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DECEMBER 8–10 PENSACOLA SAENGER THEATER
Come Sing with the Chorus! Season Audition Dates
Dec. 16 | Jan. 3 & 6 46 E. Chase Street
Register for a time at Pensacola Sings.org/join
Scan the QR Code
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all! I’m thrilled that you’ve carved out a piece of this busy season to spend with us at the Saenger Theatre today. Whether you’ve been a part of the PCC family for years or you’re joining us for the very first time, I hope this performance will fill your cup with all the joy and warmth that this time of year has to offer. Welcome to the 34th season of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus! This year is like none other. True to the spirit of the holiday season, the doors to PCC are open wider than ever before. Thanks to the support of our generous community, children of all ages and backgrounds can call PCC home. The philanthropic contributions of our donors have enabled our Board of Directors to honor their Triple-A Commitment to Affordable, Accessible Arts programs. This promise signifies an investment of nearly $60,000 in tuition assistance funds committed to singers with significant financial need—representing over 40% of our membership. Beyond that, PCC has partnered with the Escambia Children’s Trust to provide tuition-free membership to children who are facing some of life’s greatest challenges. The Trust was established by Escambia County taxpayers in 2020 with a charge to provide critical services to youth and their families. We are honored that the Trust recognizes the impact that PCC has on our members, and we are eager to serve over 100 youth by 2025. In fact, 24 of these ECT-supported singers will be represented on stage today. Also true to the spirit of the season is our unprecedented level of busy. This performance is actually the second of our Mainstage Performances happening this year. The first was Hauntcert, a family-friendly Halloween concert. I am grateful for the many of you who showed up to support this brand new event. I’m equally grateful to the Escambia County Public Schools who generously funded an initiative to bring Hauntcert to 6 elementary schools, including Escambia Westgate, a school dedicated to serving children with special needs. To witness our singers spread joy and laughter to those kids was something I wish everyone could have seen. A busy calendar poses many challenges, but above all, it signals something that bears repeating: Pensacola Children’s Chorus is committed to our community. Indeed, our programs have been a safe haven for generations of singers to realize their potential, discover their truest selves, and equip themselves with the skills they need to be successful at every stage in life. Yet this, our mission, would not be possible without the support of our community. Every volunteer, sponsor, donor, and patron has made a significant investment in our singers. Through our nearly 40 annual performances, I hope you’ll agree that we strive to honor that investment. Each of you have made this performance possible. You make PCC possible. You are making a difference in the life of every child you see on stage. For that, I am humbled and most grateful. And if all of that wasn’t enough cause for celebration, just wait for the curtain to rise. Thank you for joining us today. Enjoy the show!
Alex Gartner Artistic & Executive Director
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OUR SPONSORS Performing
Composing
Harmonic
Melodic Advanced Dental Concepts • Alpha-Lit Pensacola • Angelo’s Towing • Bear Family Foundation • Beggs & Lane, RLLP • Caldwell Associates Architects • Center for Clergy Care & Education • Dr. Michael Riesberg, MD • Guardian Pharmacy • Jennifer Hoekstra & Srivatsa Gupta • Logo Motion Marketing • Novus Anesthesia Partners • Site & Utility, LCC • The Oar House • Truist
Lyrical A on Time Airport Connection • Aaron Erskine/Erskine Benefits • Ballinger Publishing • Chick-fil-A Bayou Blvd. • New Leaders in Fertility & Endocrinology • Saltmarsh, Cleaveland and Gund • Vaughn Brinkley Wealth Strategies Group • Woodlands Medical Specialists • WUWF
Special Thanks Ballet Pensacola • Pensacola Little Theater • Pensacola State College • Wardrobe Witchery
* We sincerely apologize for any omissions due to printing deadlines.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Artistic Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Meet the Pensacola Children’s Chorus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Our Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Venue Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Message From the Board President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Friends of Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15 Merit Award & Scholarship Winners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mission in Motion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–19 Choir Rosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–23 Christmas on the Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26–30 Participants in the Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Community Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Participating Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Our Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Investing in the Future: Interview with Jennifer Hoekstra. . . . . . 44 Areas of Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Donation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 One World, Many Voices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
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MEET THE PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS 1990
Susan and Allen Pote establish the Pensacola Symphony Children’s Chorus.
1992
The first Showtime performance was held at First Presbyterian Church.
1993
Choirs were restructured to form Festival (grades 4–5), Concert (6–8), and Ensemble, a select group formed from the ranks of Concert.
1994
The Pensacola Children’s Chorus was officially established as an independent, not-for-profit organization.
1995
The first Christmas on the Coast was held at the Saenger. Young Singers was established for high school-aged singers.
1997
PCC moved into its present home in the Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center on the campus of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Pensacola.
1998
PCC appeared on a national telecast of the Hour of Power at the Crystal Cathedral in California.
1999
Annual performances began for Evenings in Olde Seville in Pensacola’s Seville Square, which lasted for 10 years.
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Singers embarked on their first international tour to Europe.
2001
The first concert that has been known as The Angels Sing, In Sacred Song, and One World, Many Voices were held.
2002
PCC performs in the East Room of the White House.
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Hurricane Ivan decimated Pensacola. PCC responded to the crisis with a performance of We Will Be a Shelter for Each Other, written by Allen Pote.
2005
Regular summer programs began.
2010
PCC celebrated its 20th Anniversary and welcomed many notable alumni, including Ashley Brown, Will Hedgecock, Katy Mixon, Brandi Russell, Abigail Spencer, and Hanan Tarabay.
2015
Susan and Allen Pote announced their retirement at the end of the 2015–2016 season, completing a tenure of 26 years.
2016
Alex Gartner, a native of Cincinnati, OH, was selected as the next Artistic Director after a national search.
Choristers (grade 3) and Echo (grades 9–12) were added to PCC’s roster.
Susan and Allen Pote were honored by the establishment of an endowment fund in their name.
2017
The Ambassador Choir was established to meet the growing demand for PCC’s participation in community events.
2019
Preparatory (grades 1–2) was added to the PCC roster. High school choirs were reorganized to include Choraliers (treble voices) and Chorale (changed voices). PCC choirs were invited to perform for state and regional convocations of the American Choral Directors Association.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Showtime. eSing, an online learning platform, was established.
2022
PCC made its debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
2023
A nearly $500K investment was secured from the Escambia Children’s Trust to provide tuition-free membership to at-risk youth in Escambia County. Hauntcert debuts at the Saenger.
2024
PCC will present a standalone concert for the American Choral Directors Association in Louisville.
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OUR STORY Since its formal beginnings in 1990, the Pensacola Children’s Chorus has sought to inspire and transform the lives of young people through music and the performing arts. Under the leadership of founding artistic directors, Susan and Allen Pote, PCC was originally formed under the auspices of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and was called the Pensacola Symphony Children’s Chorus. With growing interest, PCC formally separated from the Symphony in 1994 and incorporated as an independent 501(c)3. Over time, PCC has grown to amass 9 resident ensembles, 3 neighborhood programs, 2 regional choirs, and a regular schedule of summer programming. Mounting over 40 performances each season, PCC reaches an annual audience of nearly 25,000 individuals. PCC’s performance résumé is vast. Its first concert similar to the Broadway-style musical revues it mounts today began in early 1990s with the first Showtime concert. Held in the parish hall of First Presbyterian Church to a large crowd, it was clear that a move to a bigger venue was in order, and thus performances at PCC’s Saenger Theatre became a staple of the regular concert calendar. Soon after, the first Christmas on the Coast came to life in 1995 and has since been a beloved holiday tradition in Pensacola.
includes Hauntcert, Christmas on the Coast, One World, Many Voices, and Showtime. These initiatives are flanked by the Neighborhood Choir Program, a network of ensembles rooted in communites who have historically lacked access to the arts; and Regional Initiatives, which include the Tri-City Children’s Choir (serving northern Escambia County) and the Atmore Area Youth Choir located across the state line in Alabama. Summer months are filled with Sing in the Summer, a multiweek series of camps rooted in foundational music and movement education. PCC’s three decades of accomplishments and milestones are vast, yet none compare with the greatest of all: the thousands of young lives that have been radically transformed through music. At PCC, music is not simply a means of entertainment, it is a tool that is used to build critical skills that enable a child to be successful throughout their lives. Responsibility, teamwork, accountability, confidence, and empathy—these are the values which are embedded in every facet of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus. Together, they create a safe, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
In 1997, operations moved into a permanent facility on the campus of First Presbyterian Church, a place it still calls home today. In 2015, Susan and Allen Pote announced their plans to retire at the conclusion at of the 2015–2016 season after 26 years of leadership. The Board of Directors launched a national search and identified Alex Gartner, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, to serve as the new Artistic Director. Under Gartner’s leadership since 2016, PCC has evolved into a multi-program organization. The Resident Choir Program remains the flagship with 6 core ensembles and 3 elective ensembles reaching singers in Grades 1–12. These groups combine for the Mainstage Performance Series which
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Tune in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to hear the Pensacola Children’s Chorus featured on “A Pensacola Christmas”
IS PROUD TO
SUPPORT THE ARTS
The home of Pensacola Children’s Chorus would love to be your church home
WE’VE BEEN A PCC PARTNER SINCE THE BEGINNING •
WE PROUDLY SERVE AS THE HOME OF PCC • Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center
We’d love to have you visit our church where the music is fantastic and the people make it feel like home. SUNDAY SERVICES AT 10:00 AM 33 East Gregory Street • Downtown Pensacola • fpcpensacola.com
THEATRE INFORMATION Photography & Videography The use of video cameras, cell phone cameras, or recording equipment of any kind is strictly prohibited during performances. Unauthorized recordings are in breach of federal copyright law. You are welcome to take photos with your favorite performers before or after the performances. If you post to social media, be sure to use the hashtags #PCCSings or #ChristmasOnTheCoast and tag @PensacolaChildrensChorus.
Public Health & Safety To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all performers, production staff, and audience members, it is strongly suggested that patrons exercise sound judgment in regards to their personal health and the health of others. If you have a fever of 100.4˚F or higher, or if you are experience cold or flu-like symptoms, please return home. Hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the facility for your convenience. If you need to cough or sneeze, please do so into a handkerchief, tissue, or your elbow out of courtesy to fellow audience members. For questions regarding the Saenger’s health and safety policies, please contact an usher.
Security Policies For all events at the Saenger Theatre, patrons must complete a bag search and security check. Oversized bags, outside food and beverages, and umbrellas are not permitted in the building. Weapons of any kind, including concealed weapons with a permit, are prohibited.
Food & Beverage Concessions are available for purchase in both the upstairs and downstairs lobbies. The Saenger Theatre is a cashless facility, so please have a credit card ready if you wish to purchase. Please be mindful while enjoying refreshments during the performance and unwrap/open any items before the performance begins. Please be especially careful when handling noisy snacks and plastic bottles to minimize any disturbances to fellow audience members.
Merchandise You can continue to show support for the Pensacola Children’s Chorus by purchasing merchandise in the second floor lobby. Spiritwear, water bottles, tote bags, and decals are available for purchase. And if you enjoyed today’s performance, you can place a pre-order for a DVD.
Backstage Access Only performers, staff, and scheduled volunteers are permitted in the backstage areas. Patrons, unscheduled volunteers, parents, and alumni are not allowed backstage at any time before, during, or after the performance. You are welcome to greet the performers on Intendencia Street at the conclusion of the concert.
Seating Policy Doors will open 60 minutes prior to each performance. Please be mindful of downtown parking, weather, and security screening time as you make your way to the theater. Once the performance has started, latecomers will be seated at appropriate intervals as established by PCC and the Saenger staff. Viewing screens are located in the lower lobbies of the theater but do not provide audio feedback.
Office Hours & Information Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center | 46 E. Chase St., Pensacola FL, 32502 (850) 434-7760 | admin@pensacolasings.org Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 am-5 pm | Friday, 9 am-12 pm
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Qualifying students can now join the Pensacola Children’s Chorus for FREE! Scan the QR Code to learn more → brought to you by
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 34th season of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus and this year’s Christmas on the Coast! We are thrilled to have you join us as we honor our community’s treasured holiday tradition while creating new and lasting memories this festive season. It is a joy to report that our organization continues to grow and adapt to serve our community. Did you know that the Pensacola Children’s Chorus has 14 unique choirs operating across Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama? In addition to our downtown Resident Choirs, area youth can also participate in the Tri-City Children’s Choir (Century, FL), our Atmore Area Youth Choir (Atmore, AL), and our free Neighborhood Choirs hosted in City of Pensacola resource centers. In addition to our Triple-A commitment, which provides families with a sliding scale tuition model, we are fortunate to partner with the Escambia Children’s Trust so that all students, especially those with greatest need, can have affordable access to our programs. The Resident Choir Program presently has over 230 members, 24 of which are supported by the Escambia Children’s Trust. We also award scholarships to 40% of our members thanks to the generosity of our donors. We celebrated our last Ital-iano! fundraiser event in October raising a record $98K in income. Be sure to join us for Ovation, our new gala fundraiser, next fall! In October, PCC performed a new enchanting family-friendly concert event, Hauntcert, at the Saenger Theater replete with costumes, candy and all of our favorite Halloween tunes. Our Choraliers have been invited through a blind jury process to be the opening concert for the American Choral Directors Association Southern Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. ACDA is the largest organization of choral conductors in the world. This honor is a first time achievement for our organization, paving an exciting future of continued national recognition and visibility for PCC. Our organization is the proud recipient of an Impact 100 grant, which will allow us to build a new stage that is safer and more accessible. Together we can step boldly and build confidence in our singers as we rehearse and perform on a new reliable stage in fall 2024. These opportunities, among all things PCC, would not be possible without the support and generosity of our sponsors, donors, and donated time and effort of parents, relatives, and friends. As an audience member, you are an important part of this effort, and for your presence and patronage, we thank you. Happy Holidays,
Sheila Dunn, DM President, Board of Directors, Pensacola Children’s Chorus Director of Voice, Dr. Grier Williams School of Music, University of West Florida
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FRIENDS OF NOTE Dazzling Stars ($10,000+)
Target Circle Foundation Truist Bank
Art, Culture, and Entertainment, Inc. (ACE)
Jodie & Nikki Webb *
ADX Communications
Shining Stars ($1,000–$2,499)
Appleyard Family Foundation Escambia Children’s Trust First Presbyterian Church Florida Department of Arts & Culture
A on Time Airport Connection Anonymous
Switzer Brothers Charitable Foundation José Troché & Maria Carmona-Troché * Vaughn Brinkley Wealth Strategies Group James E. Waddle, Jr. * In Honor of Max Gartner Jeff Weeks & Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks
Ballinger Publishing
Dr. Lusharon Wiley, EdD *
Jennifer Hoekstra & Srivasta Gupta
Beggs & Lane, RLLP
Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics
Michael & Lindsay Blanton *
Woodlands Medical Specialists
Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area
The Burch Family Trust In Honor of Vera Kate Bell
WUWF 88.1
Val & Ray Russenberger *
Brilliant Stars ($5,000–$9,999) Aylstock Witkin Kreis & Overholtz Caldwell Associates Architects
H. Miller Caldwell Jr. & Mrs. Debbie Caldwell * Chick-Fil-A Bayou Blvd. Anna M. Child Gary Child Anne Daniel
Twinkling Stars ($500–$999) Order of Daedalians Shangri-La Flight Ernie Dawson *
Ted & Karla Ent *
Janice Webb & Tom Daniel * In Honor of Gabriella Webb
Jill & Mike Gartner
Travis Hornsby
Sheila & Bobby Dunn *
Jimmy Stapleton
Johnson Supply Company
Aaron Erskine/Erskine Benefits
Joe & Karen Webb *
Julian & Kim MacQueen *
Jeffery Fulton * °
William Moreland
Alex & Kirstin Gartner *
Sandy Sansing & Family *
Paul & Annette Johnston * Medical Imaging Expert, LLC
Shooting Stars ($2,500–$4,999) Advanced Dental Concepts Alpha-Lit Pensacola Angelo’s Towing The Bear Family Foundation * Robin & John Carr Center for Clergy Care & Education City of Pensacola Department of Parks & Recreation Guardian Pharmacy Mary & T.J. Henriques Innisfree Hotels Kinego Family Trust Logomotion Marketing
Meta, Inc./Network for Good
Noelle & Josh Poole *
Bright Stars ($250–$499) Betty & Terry Berling *
Rita Miller
Bondurant Lumber & Hardware +
New Leaders in Fertility & Endocrinology
Jim & Shirley Cronley *
Eric & Peggy Nickelsen * Susan & Allen Pote Gary & Renee Rivord In Honor of Charlotte Aukamp
Terry & Susan Cook * Mike Denkler * In Memory of Kathy Denkler Lisa & Robert Fitzgerald * In Honor of Ava Fitzgerald Ron & Emily Hedgecock * In Honor of Will Hedgecock
Andrea & Todd Rosenbaum * In Honor of Claire & Sarah Escobedo
Art & Mary Hufford
Mark Ryan & Alejandra Escobar-Ryan
PCC Student Activity Squad *
Saenger Theatre Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund Douglas Scharinger & Marilyn González De Scharinger *
Edmund & Julia Murphy * Hanan Tarabay & Howard Reddy * Jerry Unruh, VADM, USN (Ret.) & Mrs. Dee Unruh
Dr. Michael Riesberg, MD
Jerome Shannon & Charlie Smoke *
Amy & Kyle Watson * In Memory of Esther Pote Stump
Site & Utility, LLC
John & Mary Slocum *
Clara S. Wimberly *
Novus Anesthesia Partners
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FRIENDS OF NOTE Wishing Stars (up to $249)
Hill & Maria Goodspeed *
Jeff Pryhuber *
Elizabeth Gray *
Terry & Beth Ptacek *
John & Carissa Adams *
Samuel Guild *
Cheri Quade *
Ted J. Agurkis
James & Jessica Hampton *
Donna Quinn *
Angelo & Christine Alexakos *
Adeline & Charles Raley
Amazon Smile Foundation
Carolee Hansen In Memory of Lois Kathleen Miller
Megan & Victor Andzulis *
Sharon Hess Herrick *
Dr. Michael & Allison Roberts *
Carl Armour *
Barry Howard In Honor of Alex Gartner
Charlie Robinson *
CAPT Linda J. Balink-White, USN (Ret.) In Memory of CDR Philip A. Balink-White, MBE, Royal Navy
John-Paul Hughes *
Julia & Alberto Reyes *
Jessica & Christopher Hyche *
Carol Rohs Brad & Paige Rowe * Jonathan & Kate Runge *
Robert Bellanova
Jeffrey & Catherine Hyde *
Tosh & Laura Belsinger *
Judith & Alejandro Inclan
Eugene S. Benvenutti In Honor of Reagan Docherty
Samantha Katen *
Sharon Sanders
Karen & Jon Kellams *
Dorothy R. Schuman
Jamie Kerkhof *
Catherine Scott-Cahill
Wayne & Teresa Bradley *
Elizabeth Kilmer
Dan & Veronica Seymour *
Ann Brown In Honor of Gabriella Webb
Kevin & Jodi King *
Bill & Heather Shearer *
Lilia Knight
Brian & Dr. Erlyn Smith *
Jim & Marsha Brown In Memory of Roger Vinson
Dr. Kevin & Mrs. Kim Kovacs *
Kevin & Leah Smith *
Paula Ellen Launtz *
Mike & Cynthia Smith
Linda & Bob Bloom *
Terri & Dan Burks
Chris Sacco *
Joshua & Sara Lewis *
Dr. Peter Steenblik *
Mr. & Mrs. Walter R. Limbach
Jessica Struck *
Sheila Child
Kathleen & C. Flack Logan *
Paul & Lynne Tobin *
Patrick & Shannon Coleman *
Keith Mackey *
Samantha & Larry Copenhaver In Honor of Avica Spencer
Natalie Magaw * Shane Maskalick *
Debbie Cross *
Lee Ann McCormick
Julie A. Day In Memory of Lois Kathleen Miller
Dainel McCort Corey & Chandra McKern *
George & Mary Daza *
John & Barbara McLaughlin
Doralyn DeMauro
John Mead *
Judith Dulabhan In Memory of Kenneth Dulabhan
Kathy Meehling *
H. Miller Caldwell III & Mrs. Kat Caldwell *
Deborah Dunlap In Honor of Devan Sean Dunlap
Hildarelis Troché * Sara Van Sickle * Karen Vidal * Kyle Waters * James Watkins
Robert & Sheila Wilcox
Kyle & Stewart Melton *
Sean Williams *
Suzanne & Robert Mize
Dr. Sandra Winborne *
Deborah Moss
William Wingett *
Catherine O’Malley
Winn Dixie - Blue Angel Parkway
William Fiser
Mary Ann Penning
Ashley W. Fish, DDS
Susan & Allen Pote In Memory of Mary Teschel; In Honor of Vincent Teschel
Daniel Fleishman & Barbara Shapiro Donna Funck * Maureen Gartner In Honor of Max Gartner
Susan & Allen Pote In Memory of Lewis Bear, Jr. Brittany Powell *
Helen & Richard Weis Virginia Lynn White In Honor of Henry White
Walter & Joan Wojciehowski Bill & Beverly Zimmern In Honor of Emma & Charlotte Zimmern Robin Zimmern & Mike Spencer *
All or portion of gift designated toward: * Designated toward Tuition Assistance and Scholarships ° Designated toward Susan & Allen Pote Pensacola Children’s Chorus Endowment Fund + Designated toward Tri-City or Atmore Regional Choirs We sincerely apologize for any omissions due to printing deadlines.
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MERIT AWARD & SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Beatrice Bunnell Sandy Sansing Award
Holden Raley Donald Lindsey Award
Bruno DaSilva Ashley Brown Award
Sydney Ferris Esther Pote Stump Award
Vivian Fernandez Kendra Wilkerson Fendt Award
Peyton Dykes Barbara Adriance Award
2023 The Spirit of Pensacola Scholarship The Spirit of Pensacola Collegiate Scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduating seniors who best exemplify the qualities of honor, courage, and commitment. True to the civic and military fabric of Pensacola, the awardees shall be selected and recognized for significant service and leadership in their own community and that of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus.
Davis Bare
Madison Brown
The Betty Berling Award The Betty Berling Award was established in July 2023 to honor the generous service provided by Betty Berling as a 16-year member of the Board of Directors of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus. In the spirit of Ms. Berling’s passion for the Chorus’s mission and dedication to volunteerism, this scholarship will be awarded annually to a singer who shows promising musical potential who has been a member of PCC for at least 3 years and who has a laudable attendance record. The inaugural award will be presented to a deserving member at the start of the 2024–2025 season.
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MISSION IN MOTION Our impact extends far beyond any concert stage. While the mission of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus is musical in nature, our impact is more than just notes on a page or a moment in the spotlight. At PCC, music is used to transform the lives of our singers, enrich our community, and build a prosperous future.
Music builds character
Music teaches respect
When a child dedicates themselves to growing their musical and performance abilities, they learn many valuable lessons along the way. At PCC, these include responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy, and confidence. Our programs are built on a framework of social and emotional learning which equips our singers with the agency to build their self-esteem, develop meaningful relationships, and act as positive contributors to our world.
One of PCC’s most cherished traditions is honoring the past and present members of the United States Armed Forces. When singers perform the official song of each branch and witness active and retired service members stand with pride, they can witness the selfless sacrifice that is required to protect what we cherish.
Music creates connection The best song is one that is shared with others. That’s why PCC offers anywhere from 20 to 40 performances each year, reaching an audience of over 25,000 people annually.
Music strengthens community As a not-for-profit organization, PCC recognizes the importance of using music to support the Northwest Florida community. Much of this work is carried out by members of the Ambassador Choir, a group that is solely dedicated to partnering with local nonprofits and using music to highlight social issues.
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Music cultivates leadership Ch i l d re n u n l o ck t h e i r p o te nt ia l for leadership when they strive for excellence, refine their skills, and mature as individuals. The training they receive at PCC extends into other facets of their lives, including school. With nearly 60 schools represented by our members, PCC’s influence on the arts ecosystem of Northwest Florida is amplified through our nearly 300 singers each year.
MISSION IN MOTION
5,232 72 Number of public, private, and homeschool cohorts represented by current PCC singers.
59 Number of performances and educational events last year.
Number of K-12 students who experienced a PCC performance or educational program last year.
16,269 Number of audience members who experienced a PCC mainstage or community performance last year.
$66,284 Dollars spent to ensure that 49 children with financial need found a home in PCC.
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CHOIR ROSTERS Preparatory Grades 1–2 Emmie Adams
Marin Dudney
Eliza Jacobs
Navi Alderman
Robert Dunn
Tabby Johnson
Gwendolynn Smyth-Chandler
Annabelle Brewer
Abigail Duvall
Mariah Locke
Bree Stead
Osho Campbell
Emi Frenkel
Harper Pabalan
Blaze Turner
Maebry Caraballo
Sophie Garrell
Del Pulling
Kate Vidal
Zoe Cheatham
Addy Gill
Myra Robinson
Elin Walter
Malakai Sauceda
Jordan Williams
Emmy Cummings
Mim Hill
Karlii Davis
Magnolia Huffmaster Koral Smith
Choristers Grade 3 Anna Sophia Alexakos
Catherine Dunn
Nicholas Knight
Ella Pearl Eve
Melania Knight
Anastasiya Pozdinokova
Mikaylee Anderson
Emma Gibbs
Karoline Kurek
Dayla Redding
Ethan Andzulis
Savannah Glover
Eve Lambeth
Jackson Rodriguez
Elise Arevalo
KJ Gupta
Louella Mead
Axl Turner
Weston Berry
Liam Johnson
Maecy Melton
Lucy Wiltshire
Katie Cooper
Crina Knight
Maddison Melton
Festival & Lyric Grades 4–5 Marilyn Ball
Ivey Datu
Hadlee Hitchcock
Arhaam Raheem
Sophia Barrett
Ella Dixon
Emery Hoffman
Sophie Rowell
Journey Barsh
Avery Ellwood
Ty Hubbart
Emily Ryan
Alexis Bernhardt
Mary Clark Forshee
Mia Isabelle Jiménez
Sophia Sabata
Piper Bizerra
Xander Ginnetti
Roan Johnson
Ava Shead
Ruby Caraballo
Annalise Gonzalez
Taylor Johnson
Grace Cipriano
Keira Griffith
Lizzy Johnson
Tory Cipriano
Robbie Gupta
Charlotte Kelson
Emelyn Crosby
Kai Hill
Brenda Kimeli Brooklyn Larson James Latham Harrison Lewis
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Piper Shearlock Aria Smith Wyatt Snyder Claire Sperlbaum Olivia Suri Ella Tharp
Khali Liddell
Scarlett Trommelen
Becca Lorge
Aubrey Vick
Lexi Martin
Sparrow Webster
Lana Mejia
Lya Wheeler
Isabella Neeley
Abby Whitead
Landon Newton Emmy Oaks
Kaycee Gale Woodruff
Emily Pitts
Niyah Young
Arden Poole
Charlotte Zimmern
Nyla Porter
Emilie Zoesch
CHOIR ROSTERS Concert Grades 6–8 Charlotte Aukamp +
Hazel Glover
Erin Martin
Averie Smith
Brandon Austin +
Kayleigh Hall
Maverick Mathison
Cora Smith
Stella Bay
Henley Hancy
Josh Matthews
Hudson Brown +
Molly Hartsfield
Kate Smith +
Ben Medley +
Riley Chism +
Alaina Hernandez
Alex Merges
Ava Christensen +
Bridget Holston +
Charlette Coleman
Carson Hyde +
Elanna MilhouseSmith +
Abigail Coleman +
Ze’Korea Jackson
Kai Munoz-Saulnier
Gigi Thrush
Amethyst Davis
Sierra Kaldahl
Hollyn Myers
Juliana Triboi
Mac Daza +
Marley Kerkhof
Will Pappas
Addison Denson +
Ivelisse Kervin
Amy Pitts +
Lana Fernandez +
Ashirah Kilmer +
Abby Pulling +
Blakely Flores +
Reagan Kozminsky
Piper Reed
Kinley Woodruff
Roey Foreman
Harper Mahaney
Graham Rice
Izzy Zimmerman
Annabelle Glasgow
Marissa Mandel
Mia Slocum +
Emma Zimmern
Avica Spencer + Aryn Stinnett Sophia Thornton
Kayleigh Wheeler Emma Whitead +
Chorale & Choraliers Grades 9–12 Evan Arnold
Grace English
Grace Kellams *
Holden Raley *
Gabe Bailey
Vivian Fernandez *
Caroline Kelson *
Hannah Raley *
Vera Kate Bell *
Sydney Ferris *
Rinah Kilmer *
Layke Richmond *
Michaela Bermudez * Gabriel Flores
Aubrey Leger *
Rylee Rogers
Beatrice Bunnell *
Emilie Funck *
Jaden Machesky
Richy Scharinger *
Ellie Caldwell *
Liv Gammon *
Karissa Martin
Gracie Slocum *
Lily Campbell *
Anderson Ginnetti
Meridien Mathison *
Anna Stersic *
Maya Chavan
Marz Green
Jocelyn Mayeux
McKenzie Taylor *
Ainsley Cramblet *
Lilly Haims *
Amelia Mesa *
Brennan Uslan *
Riley Crites *
Hayleigh Hill
Noah Mitts
Arie Webb
Amelia Cruit *
Parker Hodge
Chloe Odom
Gabriella Webb *
Bruno Da Silva *
KK Honeycutt *
Miley Owens
Elise Welch
Peyton Dykes *
Zoey Jefferson *
Claire Perez *
Shaelyn Wilkerson *
Ambassadors Grades 7–12 Lily Campbell
Kate Smith
Abigail Coleman
Aryn Stinnett
Ainsley Cramblet
Gigi Thrush
Grace English
Brennan Uslan
Gabriel Flores
Shaelyn Wilkerson
Liv Gammon
Emma Zimmern
Richy Scharinger
+ Ensemble
* Young Singers
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 23
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PROUDLY PRESENTS
2023
DECEMBER 8–10 PENSACOLA SAENGER THEATER
Christmas on the Coast A holiday spectacular in two acts with one intermission (approx. 120 mins) An online, live-streamed performance will be aired on Friday, December 8 and Sunday, December 10. WEAR/ABC 3 News will be airing a recording of this performance on Christmas Eve at 2:00 pm.
Alex Gartner Artistic Director
Juliana Child
Assistant Artistic Director
Michael Dennis Choreographer
Lindsay Riddle Choreographer
Dominic Krippes Technical Director
Brooke Dykes
Heidi Siren
Production Coordinator
Costume Designer
Evelyn Aguirre
Stephany Heath
Katie Olson
Assistant Director
Associate Director
Assistant Director
Lance Brannon
Jeff Jordan
Holley Raley
Lighting Designer
Sound Engineer
Props Designer
CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST +Joy to the World
arr. Dan Forrest Hannah Raley, featured dancer Young Singers
+To Grandmother’s House We Go
compiled & arr. by Juliana Child
Over the River and Through the Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Emily Crocker The Christmas Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Audrey Snyder When We’re Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Mac Huff Grandma’s Killer Fruitcake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Roger Emerson Abigail Coleman, Charlotte Aukamp, Ben Medley, Blakely Flores, Mia Slocum & Addison Denson, soloists Ensemble
+Ugly Sweater Party
compiled & arr. by Juliana Child
The Ugly Christmas Sweater Song. . . . . . . . . . . by Joel Lindsey & Jeff Bumgardner My Christmas Sweater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Roger Emerson Cool Yule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Kirby Shaw Figgy Pudding!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ruth Morris Gray The Twelve Days of a Regifted Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Greg Gilpin Gabriel Bailey, Parker Hodge, Holden Raley, Gabriel Flores, Jaden Machesky & Noah Mitts, soloists Chorale
+The Work of Christmas
compiled & arr. by Alex Gartner
Silver Bells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Charles Naylor Excuse Me, I Don’t Understand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Ivo Antognini The Work of Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Dan Forrest Anna Stersic, Rinah Kilmer, Shaelyn Wilkerson, Gracie Slocum & Hannah Raley, soloists Choraliers
*A Starry Winter Sky
compiled & arr. by Juliana Child
Stars I Shall Find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Victor C. Johnson Wishing Star. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Beth Bolton Star of Wonder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Juliana Child Behold That Star!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Larry Shackley Liam Johnson & Nicholas Knight, soloists Choristers
+ Choreography by Michael Dennis
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* Choreography by Lindsay Riddle
CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST +Light Around the World
compiled & arr. by Alex Gartner
Hanerot Halalu (Hanukkah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Neil Ginsberg Day Is Breaking (Kwanzaa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Willie Ellebie Aeyaya Balano Sakkad (Diwali). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by M.B. Srinivasan/arr. Higgins Sanckta Lucia (St. Lucia’s Day). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . traditional scandinavian Ocho Kandelikas (Hanukkah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Joshua Jacobson Beatrice Bunnell, Gabriella Webb, Lily Campbell, Hannah Raley & Ellie Caldwell, narrators Shaelyn Wilkerson, Amelia Mesa, Ainsley Cramblet, McKenzie Taylor, Richy Scharinger, Bruno Da Silva, Brennan Uslan & Sydney Ferris, soloists Young Singers
*Joyful, Joyful from Sister Act II
arr. Mervyn Warren/ed. Emerson
Elanna Milhouse-Smith, Addison Denson, Emma Whitead & Hudson Brown, soloists Concert
*Music at Midnight
compiled & arr. by Juliana Child
Jesus, Infant Holy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Linda Spevacek In the Bleak Midwinter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Ruth Elaine Schram It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. John Leavitt What Sweeter Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Eleanor Daley Lana Fernandez, Abby Pulling & Blakely Flores, soloists Festival/Lyric, Concert
*Angels Visit When We Sing
by Tom Trenney Preparatory
*While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night
by Craig Courtney
Riley Crites, Mary; Mac Daza, Joseph Ensemble, Choraliers
*Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
arr. Heather Sorenson
Ellie Caldwell, Sydney Ferris, Anna Stersic & Gabriella Webb, angels Gabriel Bailey, Parker Hodge & Noah Mitts, kings Concert, Choraliers, Chorale, Festival/Lyric, Choristers
INTERMISSION
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 29
CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST *Starlets of the Season
compiled & arr. by Alex Gartner
All I Want for Christmas Is You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Mac Huff Christmas Tree Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as performed by Taylor Swift Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Jacob Narverud Santa, Tell Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Alan Billingsley Underneath the Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Ed Lojeski Peyton Dykes, Ainsley Cramblet, Aubrey Leger, Vivian Fernandez, KK Honeycutt, Michaela Bermudez, Ellie Caldwell, Jocelyn Mayeux, Vera Kate Bell, Layke Richmond & Sydney Ferris, soloists Choraliers
*A Miserly Miserable Holiday
compiled & arr. Juliana Child
Snow Miser / Heat Miser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Andy Beck I Love the Winter Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Mac Huff I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Mac Huff Bruno Da Silva, Snow Miser; Richy Scharinger, Heat Miser Choristers, Preparatory, Chorale
*Cartoon Christmas
compiled & arr. by Juliana Child
The Most Wonderful Day of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Andy Beck Put One Foot in Front of the Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Andy Beck Silver and Gold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Andy Beck Holly Jolly Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Johnny Marks Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Johnny Marks Emelyn Crosby, Arden Poole, Ella Dixon, Ava Shead, Roan Johnson & Emmy Oaks, soloists Festival/Lyric
*Elves After Hours
compiled & arr. by Alex Gartner
We Are Santa’s Elves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Andy Beck Celebration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Jay Althouse A Hard Day’s Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Roger Emerson Christmas Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Lyle Moraine Nine to Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Ed Lojeski Thankful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Tom Fettke Counting Down to Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Greg Gilpin Abigail Coleman, Hudson Brown, Riley Chism, Henley Hancy, Reagan Kozminsky, Mia Slocum, Mac Daza, Coralyn Smith, Alexandra Merges, Lana Fernandez, Bridget Holston, Ashirah Kilmer, Ben Medley & Emma Whitead, soloists Concert
+*The Song in Our Hearts
by Gary Fry
Brennan Uslan, Aubrey Leger, Anna Stersic, & Gabriella Webb, soloists Combined Choirs
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CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST PARTICIPANTS IN THE PERFORMANCE Production Stage Manager Alyssa Bramwell
Security John Purcell Security
Assistant Stage Managers Leonard Herring, Joe Nelson
Playbill Coordinator & Designer Garrett Hallbauer
Photography Garrett Hallbauer, Katie Hallbauer
PRODUCTION CREW Assistants to the Props Designer Lisa Bermudez, Gloria Martin, Jon Raley
Rail Operators Mark Horn, Ty Loftus
Costume Construction & Alterations Tammy Mabire, Noelle Poole
Sound Cues Assistants Jennifer Bunnell, Mike Kilmer
Costume Coordinators Beth Woods, Christy Foreman, Krystin Johnson, Catherine Hyde, Crissy Medley, Krystal Crosby
Sound Technicians Allen Abrahamson, Scott Gould Spotlight Operators Tiffany Hartman, Jason Lykes
Lighting Operator Alex Anderson
Stage Cues Assistant Evan Martin
Microphone Coordinators Chey Richmond, Karen Kellams, Beth Cruit, Michelle Holston, Christy Rogers
Streaming Operators Henry Gonzalez, Patrick Hutchinson, Chris Schuchard
ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL Violin Burcu Goker
Flute & Piccolo Stephanie Riegle
Trombone Don Snowden
Percussion Leah Yelverton
Viola Brian Brown
Reeds Kim Whaley
Bass Marcus Gillard
Piano Megan Andzulis
Cello Ayla Green
Trumpet Dale Riegle Jonathan Martin
Drums Jordan Wood
Conductors Alex Gartner Juliana Child
CHOIR LEADERSHIP TEAMS Choir Representatives Shannon Coleman, Keisha Cramblet, Brittany Cummings, Dina Ferris, Christy Foreman, Moira Hartsfield, Brittney Jackson, Krystin Johnson, Kendal Larson, Tiffany Snyder, Lisa Stersic, Kendra Turner, Dacia Turner, Nikki Webb
Student Interns Beatrice Bunnell, Lily Campbell, Ainsley Cramblet, Riley Crites, Peyton Dykes, Sydney Ferris, Zoey Jefferson, McKenzie Taylor, Brennan Uslan, Shaelyn Wilkerson
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 33
r a e h o t We wantYOU! from Please scan the QR code to complete our patron survey.
Zoey
We are proud to see you on stage with PCC for Christmas on the Coast! We are excited to see all your hard work and practice come to life during the show!
proudly supports the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, and is especially proud of Zoey Jefferson!
Catherine & Robert
Thank you for filling our lives with joy and laughter. Love, Mommy and Daddy
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Since the beginning, the Pensacola Children’s Chorus has been closely connected to the Escambia County School District and Santa Rosa County School District. Members of PCC’s staff routinely lead professional development workshops and serve as in-classroom consultants for local music teachers. PCC hosts the area third graders each year for a special performance of Christmas on the Coast and was able to take Hauntcert to 6 different elementary schools. In January 2023, PCC was awarded a multiyear grant through the Escambia Children’s Trust, a taxpayer funded agency which provides leadership, funding, services, and research on behalf of Escambia County’s children to ensure they grow up to be healthy, productive, stable community members. Focusing on a target population of at-risk youth, ECT has provided membership for nearly 30 young people in PCC’s transformational choral programs. In March 2023, PCC partnered with the City of Pensacola to launch Pensacola Sings, a network of community choirs based in neighborhood resource centers with an aim to make singing opportunities more available to the city’s youth. The Pensacola Children’s Chorus is designated as a Partner in Education by the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Through this partnership, PCC works alongside the Fine Arts Department of the Escambia County School District and the Pensacola Opera to provide professional development for local music teachers. The Pensacola Children’s Chorus has provided musical support to the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart for many years. The Ambassador Choir participates in special musical broadcasts in each patient’s room and welcomes Santa to their annual tree lighting ceremony. In 2019, the Ambassadors recorded a special arrangement of Somewhere Over the Rainbow which is paired with a child’s heartbeat. These songs serve as keepsakes for parents of children who pass away while in the hospital’s care. The Pensacola Children’s Chorus regularly partners with our city’s leading arts organizations, including Pensacola Opera, Ballet Pensacola, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, the Choral Society of Pensacola, and Pensacola Little Theatre. These collaborations include full concerts, joint educational programs, and the exchange of costumes, set pieces, and equipment. Pensacola is fortunate to have such a vibrant arts community.
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BEST OF LUCK TO
PENSACOLA CHILDREN’S CHORUS Choristers and Festival & Lyric
Srivatsa Gupta and Jennifer Hoekstra ("Karthik & Robbie's Mom and Dad")
SING OUT. SING LOUD. SING OFTEN.
Proud Supporter of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus
A BETTER SERVICE... A BETTER PROCESS... A BETTER FINISH!
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PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS The Pensacola Children’s Chorus would like to recognize the schools our members attend: A.K. Suter Elementary
King Middle
Aletheia Christian Academy
Kingsfield Elementary
Bagdad Elementary
Marcus Pointe Christian School
Bellview Elementary
Montessori School of Pensacola
Bennett-Russell Elementary
N.B. Cook Magnet School of the Arts
Berryhill Elementary School
Navarre High
Beulah Academy of Science
Navy Point Elementary
Beulah Elementary
Oriole Beach Elementary
Beulah Middle
Pace High
Blue Angels Elementary
Pensacola Beach Elementary
Booker T. Washington High
Pensacola Catholic High
Brown Barge Middle
Pensacola Christian Academy
Coastline Christian Academy
Pine Meadow Elementary
Cordova Park Elementary
Pleasant Grove Elementary
Creative Learning Academy Dixon School of Arts & Sciences East Bay K-8 School East Hill Christian School Episcopal Day School Escambia High Global Learning Academy
Ransom Middle School Redeemer Lutheran School S.S. Dixon Intermediate S.S. Dixon Primary Sacred Heart Cathedral School Scenic Heights Elementary Sims Middle
Gulf Breeze Elementary
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Gulf Breeze High
St. Mary Catholic School
Gulf Breeze Middle
St. Paul Catholic School
Gulf Pointe Latin School
Wallace Lake K-8
Hellen Caro Elementary
West Florida Baptist Academy
Homeschool
West Florida High
J.M. Tate High
West Pensacola Elementary
Jim Allen Elementary
Woodlawn Beach Middle
Jim Bailey Middle
Workman Middle
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 39
bravo
the
1
at home, at school
& O N T H E S TA G E – your family
Proudly Supports
Proudly Supports
OUR TEAM Program & Administrative Staff
Alex Gartner Artistic & Executive Director
Juliana Joy Child Assistant Artistic Director
Heidi Siren Costume Designer & Member Services
Cheyenne Farley Director of Advancement
Miguel Aldahondo Director of Community Programs
Courtney Johnson Executive Assistant & Office Coordinator
Brooke Dykes Program Manager
Garrett Hallbauer Marketing & Communications Manager
Resident Choir Staff
Megan Andzulis Principal Accompanist
Evelyn Aguirre Assistant Director
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Michael Dennis Choreographer
Stephany Heath Associate Director
Katie Olson Assistant Director
Lindsay Riddle Choreographer
Isabelle Schrack Musicianship Instructor
OUR TEAM Production Support Dominic Krippes Technical Director
Jeff Jordan Sound Technician
Alyssa Bramwell Stage Manager
Lance Brannon Lighting Designer
John Purcell Security Specialist
Board of Directors Officers Sheila Dunn, DM President
Karla Ent Vice President
Jimmy Stapleton Treasurer
Rita Miller Secretary
Members Sri Gupta Jessica Hyche Deborah Moss Noelle Poole Andrea Rosenbaum
Alejandra Ryan Jerome Shannon Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks Lusharon Wiley, EdD
Advisory Members Regan Bell Alumni Representative
Evan Martin Family Representative
Brennan Uslan Singer Representative
Mission Statement The mission of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus is to foster the personal and social growth of its singers and engage the community through inspirational musical experiences.
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 43
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER HOEKSTRA A member of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus learns so much more than just song and dance. Behind every note and every step is an important lesson to be learned. Whether it’s responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy, or confidence, every musical motion has an extramusical benefit. Jennifer Hoekstra and Sri Gupta recognize the importance of this work. Both are veteran supporters of the chorus, contributing to PCC’s Tuition Assistance, as well as volunteering their time, with Sri serving on our Board of Directors. We sat down with Jennifer to learn about why she and Sri invest so generously in PCC’s singers. Jennifer, what about PCC inspires you? One of my favorite things about the Chorus is witnessing the joy my children experience while performing for their family, friends and community—as well as how brave and adventurous they are both becoming as a result of the training and life-skills developed at PCC. What motivated you to make your first gift to PCC? A friend’s youngest daughter joined PCC as an elementary student. As a young teenager, she was so enthusiastic about the amazing experiences she had and encouraged our children to also join. Part of her enthusiasm was spending time attending Showtime with my family. During that performance, the Senior Spotlights stole the show. Witnessing what accomplished and outgoing young adults PCC develops was all the motivation we needed—we knew that we wanted to support PCC so that our children and many others could participate for years to come. Why do you continue to support PCC in the many ways you both do? We appreciate the opportunities PCC presents to all children in our community, regardless of geographic location, family background or socio-economic status. The chance to perform in our local community and those far beyond at such a professional level fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment in the singers and their families. More than that, seeing the
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resilience of PCC over the pandemic years encouraged our desire to help ensure the opportunities and programming existed for many years to come, regardless of any changes or social challenges that might arise. What do you hope for PCC’s Future? We hope that PCC continues to be a safe and welcoming place for our youth to discover the joy of performance. We hope that PCC’s future is pitch-perfect as the program becomes more accessible to everyone in our community. What would you say to someone who is considering making a gift to PCC for the first time? Watch the shining faces of kids performing on stage for the first time in Prep. Watch the confidence of a middle schooler grow as they perform their first solo. Watch a singer deliver a sponsor shout-out at the start of the show, speaking in front of a packed audience for the first time. You will be inspired to donate to PCC and ensure that the program continues for many years to come. We hope you will consider joining Jennifer as a champion for the children of Northwest Florida. PCC’s Tuition Assistance Program provides need-based scholarships to children with financial need. All donations are 100% tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.
AREAS OF NEED Can we count on you? We are so thankful for your presence here today. Your ticket purchase helps PCC create memorable, dynamic performances for singers and audience members alike. But did you know that ticket sales provide PCC with less than 10% of the funds required to create these experiences year after year? For this reason and so much more, we are grateful to the hundreds
of individuals, families, local businesses, and grantors who generously invest in our programs and in our singers. We’d love to count you as a member of our PCC family of supporters. There are many ways in which you can financially support our mission of transforming young lives through music:
Programs Individual Donation or Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Available Donations to our program fund directly support the operation of our 17 choirs which meet in downtown Pensacola and throughout Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama. This fund helps us maintain high quality educational programs and performances that our singers and community have come to expect and appreciate.
Tuition Assistance Individual Donation or Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Available Each year, approximately 40% of PCC singers apply for need-based scholarships that help offset the cost to participate in our programs. PCC pursues an annual fundraising goal of $40,000 to help ensure that every child—regardless of their family’s financial situation—can participate in PCC’s lifechanging education programs.
Endowment Fund To honor the 26-year tenure of PCC’s founding artistic directors, the Susan & Allen Pote Endowment Fund was established in 2016. Once the fund crests $1M, earned interest will be used to furnish capital improvements aimed at making our programs even more spectacular. Stock transfers are welcome gifts, as are individual donations.
Scholarships Donations to PCC’s scholarship fund provide financial awards to returning singers and graduating seniors. Through a competitive application process, qualifying singers are selected for their demonstrated commitment to the program, outstanding musicianship, and leadership within their respective choirs.
Donate today by completing and returning the included Friends of Note form in the back of your program. For more information, please contact Cheyenne Farley at cfarley@pensacolasings.org.
Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 45
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To the Friends of the
Music and performance can be transformative experiences, and an impactful arts-based education equips young people with the tools and skills necessary to thrive throughout their lives. At the Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC), this mission is at the center of all that we do—one that we have proudly championed as one of Pensacola’s foremost arts programs for children and youth for 34 years. As we celebrate three decades of music-making and transforming lives in our community, I invite you to partner with us for the exciting future ahead. As a Friend of Note, your contribution to the Pensacola Children’s Chorus has a direct impact on the 300+ singers who will pass through our doors this year. Beyond our own singers, your donation will go further to reach almost 8,000 local children who will experience one of our programs this year, just a fraction of the over 25,000 audience members who will join our singers for performances throughout the season. Your tax-deductible donation ensures that we can continue to make a lasting mark on the lives of our singers throughout the course of this year: • $1,000 will cover the costs of one singer for an entire season • $500 will cover the cost of one singer for half a season • $100 will cover the cost of one singer per month • $50 will cover the material cost of one singer per performance As a Friends of Note contributor, will be listed in the program for each of our mainstage performances during our season. Your generous gift helps make the rigorous and impactful musical education we provide possible for our members. As we celebrate over three decades of music-making, one cannot help but reflect on the rich history of our organization. Over the years, our choirs have performed for U.S. presidents and sung in distinguished concert halls all over the world. Our alumni shine in the lights of Broadway stages and television studios as well as countless offices, board rooms, and classrooms across the country. And while these milestones certainly deserve celebration, our legacy is so much more than an illustrious résumé. It’s the lifelong friendships that have been forged through a common love of music. It’s the steady transformation of a shy, quiet child into a bold, confident young adult. It’s the liberating realization that one does not, and should not, apologize for being who they are. Our legacy is a life changed for the better, one after the other. With your contribution, you become an important part of our ongoing story. With gratitude,
Alex Gartner Artistic & Executive Director
48
Cheyenne Farley Director of Advancement
YES! You can count on my support. Enclosed is my tax deductible charitable gift of: $1,000
$500
$100
$50
Other $
I would like my donation applied toward: • Programs
• Tuition Assistance
• Endowment
• Scholarship
• In memory of: • In honor of: Name (for acknowledgment purposes): Address: City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Zip:
Please send me information on how I/my employer can provide corporate support (i.e. sponsorship). Please send me information on how I/my employer can advertise through your playbill/social media.
Payment Method: Check #
(Made payable to “Pensacola Children’s Chorus”)
Credit Card Number: Exp:
CVV:
Card Zip:
Please return this form to:
Pensacola Children’s Chorus 46 E. Chase Street Pensacola, FL 32502
Or scan to donate online
Thank you for your support! Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 49
Thank you
We look forward to performing on our new stage next season!
One World,
Many
Voices
Sunday March 3rd
First Baptist Church of Pensacola
Watch a special broadcast of Christmas on the Coast
Christmas Eve at 2:00 PM