Christmas on the Coast 2023 presented by Pensacola Children's Chorus

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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.

Christmas on the Coast 2023 | 19

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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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Contact us today for information! happiestplaceinpensacola@gmail.com

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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

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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

42

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

44

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